Rosslare Europort, Ocean Winds, and Bord na Móna collaborate to advance offshore wind energy

County Wexford Chamber
rosslare europort

Ocean Winds and Bord na Móna have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iarnród Éireann (Port Authority for Rosslare Europort) to develop suitable port and harbour solutions for delivering offshore wind developments.

This strategic partnership underscores the commitment of all parties to accelerate Ireland’s offshore wind energy ambitions and leverage the potential of Rosslare Europort as a key hub for the development of offshore wind projects in Irish waters.

The recently published draft South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) highlights Rosslare Europort’s strategic positioning for potential offshore wind projects. By collaborating with Rosslare Europort, Bord na Móna and Ocean Winds aim to develop a robust infrastructure that will support the efficient delivery of offshore wind farms.

Rosslare Europort ORE Hub plans

In 2022, Rosslare Europort management announced plans to establish the port, its hinterland, and the south-east region as Ireland’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub, with the potential to create up to 2,000 jobs.

The port is uniquely located within 60-100 nautical miles of most of the planned developments in the Irish and Celtic seas, including many of the portfolio of ORE projects envisaged by the draft South Coast DMAP.

  • To deliver its vision for ORE, Rosslare Europort plans significant works, including:
  • ORE purpose-built quay and berth
  • ORE quayside storage and pre-construction / up to 50 acres in area
  • Navigable channel dredged down to a minimum of 9-11 metres depth
  • Management Control Centre & management offices and facilities for Operations and Maintenance

 

Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics, Jack Chambers T.D. said “Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) is integral to meeting Ireland’s Climate Change ambitions with a target of achieving 7GW of offshore energy by 2030, 2GW of which is dedicated to the production of green hydrogen.

“This agreement between Rosslare Europort and Ocean Wind Bord na Móna is a welcome one, as it demonstrates the level of commitment and collaboration to delivering on Ireland’s ORE ambitions by all involved.”

Support for offshore wind farms

Glenn Carr, Director, Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority Rosslare Europort, stated: “Rosslare Europort is excited to work with Bord na Móna and Ocean Winds, who share our vision for the development of offshore wind energy off the coast of Ireland. We believe there are strong synergies to be achieved as we work together to place this renewable energy industry at the heart of Ireland’s decarbonised future”.

The collaboration will focus on developing port and harbour facilities that are essential for the construction, operation, and maintenance of offshore wind farms. It aims to position Rosslare Europort as a critical infrastructure asset in Ireland’s renewable energy landscape, foster local industry growth and provide employment within the local area. This initiative also aligns with Ireland’s broader goals of transitioning to a sustainable energy future and reducing carbon emissions.

Photo caption: Joining Glenn Carr (centre), Director Commercial Business Units for Port Authority Iarnród Éireann, were Joseph Coleman, Bord na Móna, and Dan Finch, Ocean Winds. (Photo: Fennell Photography)