Council support helps Port of Blyth expansion to power clean energy growth
The Port of Blyth has officially launched its Battleship Wharf Expansion scheme, unveiling a transformative investment of up to £100 million to expand key infrastructure, increasing Port capacity to support the next era of clean energy growth.
The early development phase of the scheme is being jointly funded by Port of Blyth, Northumberland County Council and the North East Combined Authority, match funding £275,000 awarded by The Crown Estate through the second round of its £50 million Supply Chain Accelerator fund. This demonstrates strong regional and national backing for a project expected to deliver significant long-term economic and environmental benefits.
Port of Blyth
The Battleship Wharf Expansion is designed to unlock new operational capacity at the Port, enabling it to handle larger offshore energy projects and emerging low carbon technologies. Building on more than 25 years of leadership in offshore wind,
the development reinforces the Port of Blyth’s position as a key hub in the UK’s clean energy transition.
The project will deliver upgraded marine and terminal infrastructure, including approximately three hectares of reclaimed land and up to 260m of quay extensions and rock revetment linking to the new deepwater berth adjacent to JDR cable factory
to enable seamless operations.
Channel and berth deepening will allow larger vessels to access the Port, supported by additional heavy-duty handling equipment to accommodate next-generation offshore components. Collectively, these enhancements are expected to attract clean energy manufacturers, generate hundreds of new jobs, and deliver significant economic benefits to the North East
through increased investment and a more resilient clean energy supply chain.
The announcement came at a pivotal moment following The Crown Estate’s recent confirmation of new seabed leasing opportunities directly off the North East coast for offshore wind development, further strengthening the region’s role in the UK’s energy future.
Martin Lawlor
Martin Lawlor OBE, Chief Executive of the Port of Blyth, said: “This is a landmark moment for the Port and for the wider region.
"The Battleship Wharf Expansion will ensure we have the infrastructure, capacity and capability to support the next generation of offshore wind and clean energy projects. With strong backing from our regional partners, we are taking a significant step forward in driving sustainable growth, creating jobs, and reinforcing Blyth’s position at the heart of the UK’s energy transition.”
Richard Wearmouth,
Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Deputy Leader of Northumberland County Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: "We're delighted to be supporting this latest expansion at the Port of Blyth.
"The port is at the heart of the clean energy revolution and it's vital in an increasingly competitive world that Blyth and Northumberland remain at the forefront of this industry. With massive investment already committed to the surrounding area this will be yet another reason for manufacturers to set up in our county."
Henry Kippin, Chief Executive of the North East Combined Authority, said: “This investment is part of the Mayor’s mission to make the North East the home of the Green Energy Revolution. By supporting infrastructure like the Battleship Wharf
Expansion, we are strengthening our region’s ability to deliver offshore wind at scale, unlocking jobs and investment, and ensuring the North East is ready to seize the opportunities created by new seabed leasing off our coast.”
“The North East Combined Authority is proud to be supporting the early development of this scheme. By backing strategic infrastructure like this, we are helping to unlock long-term investment, create skilled jobs and ensure our region is fully prepared to take advantage of new offshore wind opportunities off the North East coast. This is exactly the kind of partnership-led, delivery-focused investment that will drive sustainable growth, strengthen supply chains and ensure the benefits of the clean
energy transition are felt across our communities.”
In a separate but related initiative, Northumberland County Council has launched the Northumberland Strategic Investment Site (N-SIS) site
Concept view of he Northumberland Strategic Investment Site (N-SIS) Image: Northumberland County Council
Spanning 77 hectares, it is set to offer 3.25 million square feet of development space and is aimed at attracting industrial companies and global investors in advanced manufacturing, energy, and other high-value sectors.
Councillor Richard Wearmouth, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, said: "The launch of the Northumberland Strategic Investment Site (N-SIS) marks a hugely significant moment for our county and for the wider North East and UK economy.
"This is a site of genuine national importance, 77 hectares of prime development land, designed to attract global investors and create 5,000 high-quality jobs for our communities.
The site will be situated close to the £10bn Blackstone QTS Data Centre Campus and JDR Cables' £130m advanced manufacturing development.
It is part of a growing industrial cluster that includes the UK Government-designated AI Growth Zone and Investment Zone designed for advanced manufacturing and green industries.
A council spokesperson said N-SIS is "uniquely positioned" to support energy-intensive users, with access to existing and planned national and regional grid infrastructure.
These include opportunities to connect into renewable energy sources coupled with access to "high-capacity digital infrastructure, supporting data-intensive industries and advanced manufacturing processes."
The council said the site benefits from strong transport links, with immediate access to the A19 and A1 corridors and proximity to the Port of Blyth, a major deep-water logistics hub for offshore energy and heavy industry.
Councillor Wearmouth said: "With exceptional connectivity and access to the energy infrastructure required by modern industry, N-SIS places Northumberland firmly on the map as a destination for large-scale, future-facing investment."
Northumberland County Council, working with Turner and Townsend and Ryder Architecture, has developed a masterplan for the site, prioritising design quality and sustainability.
The council said it also supports environmental sustainability and "place-making" for long-term economic growth.
Councillor Wearmouth said: "N-SIS has been carefully planned to meet the demands of today's industrial occupiers and tomorrow's industries.
He added: "This is about creating a globally competitive offer, with the infrastructure, connectivity, and energy capacity that investors now expect when making long-term location decisions."