Middlesbrough expands to become OSW hub

The Port of Middlesbrough is owned and operated by AV Dawson, who has just signed a 10-year partnership with Prysmian to base itself there and expand its warehousing space.

The Italian firm, which has been a tenant at Port of Middlesbrough for several years, has now cemented its long-term partnership with the port in preparation for future growth.

For the port to be fit for Prysmian’s purposes, major investment has been made to upgrade the berthing facilities to accommodate today’s huge offshore installation vessels – such as Leonardo da Vinci, the famous cable-laying vessel that is currently the largest in the world.

With a beam of 33 metres, Leonardo da Vinci is five metres wider than any vessels that have used the Port of Middlesbrough so far, and dredging was also required to provide enough draught.

“Prysmian and some of other customers are now enquiring about shore power to support their net-zero ambitions, so that is the next significant investment to plan for,” said AV Dawson group managing director Charlie Dawson.

“Seeing these huge vessels coming into our port is also fantastic for our colleagues and the local community to witness. It suddenly makes the river and all the activity happening on it much more visible for people.”

Teesside and northeast England has become a major region for offshore wind.

“Port of Middlesbrough is strategically positioned, has well-connected transport links and offers state-of-the-art facilities, making it an ideal place to expand our current operations,” said Peter Watson, responsible for the overall management of Prysmian’s marine base. “However, our decision to be here is as much about the working relationship we have. Everyone knows what we’re trying to achieve and just works brilliantly together to make it happen.

“This contract cements our commitment to the port and the town, as we look forward to the future and the exciting developments that are coming over the next few years.”