ScottishPower Renewables has awarded the marine services contract for the East Anglia ONE windfarm off the Suffolk coast to Marex Risk and Marine Consultancy (Marex).
The two-year contract with a one-year extension option covers all marine services for the operations and maintenance phase of the windfarm.
Marex, an Aberdeen-based risk management consultancy, has opened an office in Lowestoft to support the regional growth, which recognises the significant steps the company has been making in its diversification into green energy.
The move will create two jobs in the Great Yarmouth area, with expansion expected in future.
Wayne Henderson, managing director at Marex, said: “We are proud to be part of the East Anglia ONE project that is delivering such a significant impact on the UK’s low carbon future.
“Our experience and expertise in providing marine services will support ScottishPower Renewables in the efficient, safe and successful operation of the windfarm development.
“We have developed that expertise in over 20 years of offshore operation, and more recent work in the renewables sector.
“This project is our first marine services contract in offshore wind and is a key step in our international growth and energy transition strategy.”
ScottishPower Renewables is part of the Iberdrola Group. Charlie Jordan, Iberdrola’s Offshore Wind Director for the UK and Ireland, said: “We’re really pleased to bring Marex on board and it’s great to welcome the business to Lowestoft to support our East Anglia ONE operations.
“More than half of the windfarm’s supply chain has been provided by the UK market, and more than £140 million has been invested locally in companies working across the east of England. That’s clearly reaping the benefits for local people and communities.
“This contract award is a terrific example of the opportunities offshore wind can offer businesses and the supply chain across the UK, creating opportunities and supporting jobs, and is also testament to the agility and the responsiveness of businesses looking to expand and transition into the renewables market.
“It’s a really exciting time for the industry and having a dynamic supply chain that can support our growth and ambitions for a clean energy future is exactly what’s needed.”
Marex has been supported by the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP). Participation in one of its pilot business transformation programmes last year provided the market intelligence, specialist advice and insight that developed their capability to enter the offshore wind supply chain successfully.