Skilled engineers needed for £1.5billion offshore wind farm
Thanet is about to benefit from a jobs boom thanks to the recent go ahead for the London Array wind-farm project. The £1.5billion project will be the largest of its kind in Europe and will require skilled workers, particularly marine engineers. The construction of the turbines is likely to be in Ramsgate prior to them being transported to their final location in the Thames Estuary, meaning an influx of skilled workers to the area.
Ramsgate’s port, being nearest to the wind farm will also be vital for the ongoing maintenance of the turbines. Although the port has yet to be established as the maintenance base of the turbines, it has been confirmed as the lead candidate. The project could potentially lead to the port becoming an international base for off-shore wind farm service, becoming established as a base for skilled workers in this area.
Richard Barron, Marine South East’s East Kent manager is delighted with the decision to go ahead with the project: “this will prove a real boost for the marine economy in this area. But with offshore construction work expected to start in early 2009 we now need to ensure that we have sufficient skilled workers available to take on the challenge ahead.”
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