Port of Blyth awarded £275,000 by The Crown Estate to expand Battleship Wharf Terminal and strengthen UK offshore wind supply chain
Port of Blyth is pleased to announce that it has been awarded £275,000 in match funding from The Crown Estate as part of the second round of their £50m Supply Chain Accelerator fund, a programme designed to provide early-stage development funding for offshore wind supply chain projects.
This funding will enable the initial design work for infilling and land reclamation of 3 hectares at the Port’s Battleship Wharf terminal, along with capital dredging of the river. These works will enhance port capacity, operational efficiency, and accessibility, further supporting the expansion of the UK’s offshore renewables sector. The initial design phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2026.
Martin Lawlor OBE, Chief Executive of the Port of Blyth, said: “This funding marks an exciting milestone for Blyth and the UK’s offshore wind sector, during a year when we celebrate 25 years in offshore wind. By reclaiming land at Battleship Wharf and deepening the river channel, we are unlocking new opportunities for offshore renewable energy, enabling unrestricted access for larger offshore vessels, and creating a dedicated facility for cable storage, marshalling, manufacturing and long-term O&M support.
These developments will further strengthen Blyth’s reputation as a leading offshore energy hub and strengthen the UK’s clean energy supply chain as the industry continues to grow.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness welcomed the funding and said: “This is great news for the offshore sector in the region, and I am delighted that the Port of Blyth has been successful. We’re working to make the North East the home of the green energy revolution and projects like this are a huge part of this.
“We know this sector has huge potential for growth and we’re aiming to deliver 25,000 new green jobs across the North East by 2035. I’m pleased that the Crown Estate recognise our vision as we continue to deliver our Local Growth Plan and more opportunities for local people.”
The project reflects Port of Blyth’s ongoing commitment to delivering modern, sustainable port infrastructure that supports the renewable energy sector, drives local economic growth, and helps the UK meet its Net Zero targets. By enabling greater operational capability at Battleship Wharf, Blyth is set to play an increasingly central role in the UK’s offshore wind supply chain.