Dong signs for Birkenhead construction base

Dong Energy has taken a lease on 6.5-acres of land for construction facilities at Cammell Laird’s 150-acre site in Birkenhead from Peel Land & Property, as part of its contract to build the Burbo Bank offshore wind farm extension in Liverpool Bay.

Around 7km north of the North Wirral coast, the existing Burbo 2 offshore wind farm is being expanded from 30 to 95 turbines. This is expected to add 258 MW of low-carbon electricity capacity when it comes into operation in 2017, enough electricity to power 230,000 UK homes.

Around 50 people will be employed 50 at the Birkenhead site, to service the installation of offshore elements of the Burbo Bank extension.

Dong is leasing the construction facility from Cammell Laird, who in turn leased the site from Peel. The process of staffing the site will begin immediately, in preparation for the beginning of offshore construction for the wind farm due in the summer. Onshore construction got underway last year.

Claus Bøjle Møller, Burbo Bank extension project director, said: “This is another step forward for both Burbo Bank Extension and UK offshore wind. The facilities in Cammell Laird are of the highest quality, and having been used for similar purposes before, will allow us to efficiently handle the construction of the wind farm as we move towards offshore work. We are pleased to be located in Birkenhead and look forward to working within the community.”