Chinese company Dajin eyes Ardersier Port tie-up

Dajin Heavy Industry, a leading Chinese manufacturer of offshore wind foundations and operator of specialist transport vessels, is exploring opportunities to work with Ardersier Port owner and developer Haventus in the UK and European offshore wind market.

The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two companies comes just months after the UK government effectively blocked Ming Yang Smart Energy’s plans for a £1.5 billion investment at Ardersier – a source of continuing controversy.

The MoU will see the companies explore how Dajin’s manufacturing and transport capabilities can be combined with Ardersier’s extensive port facilities to support both fixed and floating wind customers and projects across the offshore wind sector.

The companies will also work together to identify potential new commercial opportunities and how Ardersier Port could support Dajin and its customers with the storage, marshalling, assembly and transportation of offshore wind components before they are transported to projects at sea.

With extensive quayside land, deep-water access and a high-voltage power connection, the port has been developed to support the manufacturing, fabrication, assembly and storage of large-scale structures for offshore wind and other energy-related projects.

Dajin manufactures and fabricates foundation structures for both fixed and floating offshore wind projects and operates its own fleet of specialist King vessels.

By combining Dajin’s manufacturing and transport expertise with Haventus’ port infrastructure at Ardersier, the companies aim to provide a more integrated service for customers as activity increases across the UK and Europe.

Mark Gillespie, chief commercial officer at Haventus, said: “This MoU is another important step in strengthening Ardersier Port’s role in the offshore wind supply chain.

“Combining Dajin’s significant manufacturing and transportation capability with Ardersier Port’s unique, world-class infrastructure strengthens what we can offer customers and reinforces our ambition to make Ardersier Port the leading facility for offshore wind in the UK and Northern Europe.”

Artur Pielech, business development director at Dajin Heavy Industry, added: “As Dajin continues to grow its fleet and expand, partnerships like this one with Haventus are central to our strategy.

“Ardersier Port’s scale and location make it a natural fit as we bring our logistics capability closer to European offshore wind projects.”