The Norwegian companies Karmsund Wind AS and Hydro Karmøy has announced their intention t to explore a cooperation on the development of a new port, adjacent to Hydro’s industrial area on Karmøy in Norway.
The project has been given the name “Haugesund Windport, Haavik”. The port will be developed to be able to assemble offshore wind turbines for fixed and floating offshore wind, as well as for other port purposes.
Port director Tore Gautesen at Karmsund Habour, says that “Karmsund Havn is very pleased to present the venture at Haugesund Windport, Haavik. Over many years, we have had a close collaboration with Hydro within logistics, now we are looking forward to taking a step further and developing what will become the leading port in the North Sea basin for the assembly of floating offshore wind. Together, we work actively to contribute to the realization of floating offshore wind in the North Sea basin and Norway’s energy transition by creating the necessary starting point for offshore wind to be developed in a sustainable and cost-effective way.”
As he notes “Before a final investment decision is made, the zoning plan in the area must be adjusted and the commercial foundations must be in place. Several of Karmsund Havn’s most important partners in offshore wind want to establish themselves here and we are experiencing interest from offshore wind projects throughout the North Sea basin.”
Commercial director Tommy Sandtorv at Karmsund Harbour state, that “Haugesund Windport, Haavik will become a central port for our offshore wind venture Karmsund Wind. We are planning a harbor with up to 1,500 m quay, and 50 hectare of back area, without restrictions on sailing height. This will be a port that will be able to handle large projects. Besides Haugesund Windport Haavik, we will also develop offshore wind activity at other ports in the region, both existing and new.”
Tommy Sandtorv adds that “At our selected ports for offshore wind, we can offer services for the entire value chain, from logistics, to assembly and in the operational phase – all within a short distance and centrally located in relation to Haugesund Airport and Utsira Nord. Karmsund Wind has the ambition to become one of the most important and preferred logistics hubs for offshore wind in the North Sea basin.”
Through the project, Hydro will contribute to local value creation through offshore wind investment, says Arne Martin Kjærland, Plant Manager at Hydro Karmøy.
