East Anglia: Powering the UK's Energy Future
East Anglia is rapidly becoming a hub for the UK's burgeoning offshore wind industry, and one company is leading the charge: North Star. As a leading service operations vessel (SOV) operator, North Star is firmly embedded in the region, fostering local partnerships and driving operational excellence to meet the demands of the evolving energy landscape.
The Southern North Sea has long been a hotbed of offshore wind activity. Andrew Duncan, Renewables and Innovations Director at North Star, remembers the excitement surrounding ScottishPower Renewables' East Anglia ONE project, which pushed the boundaries of scale and size over a decade ago. He recalls the numerous events hosted by the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR), demonstrating the regional opportunity and galvanizing the supply chain to support this landmark project. These initiatives fostered lasting relationships, with many of those involved now holding prominent positions within the offshore wind industry, highlighting the region's enduring allure as an energy powerhouse.
North Star's journey in East Anglia began in 2019 with the acquisition of Boston Putford, a Lowestoft-based company that shared North Star's values and commitment to operational excellence. This strategic acquisition positioned North Star at the heart of Southern North Sea activity, surrounded by numerous gigawatts of wind farms, both operational and under construction. Operating from the iconic Columbus buildings on Lowestoft's harbour front, North Star has embraced the region, utilising Boston Putford's established footprint, reach, and local recognition. This strong regional presence has enabled the company to leverage the local supply chain in supporting its fleet of 42 vessels and transitioning towards offshore support and SOV ambitions.
North Star consistently champions the local supply chain, particularly in its burgeoning SOV operations. One prime example is the partnership with Alicat Workboats of Great Yarmouth. This collaboration demonstrates North Star's commitment to working with local suppliers, as Alicat's improvements in output directly benefit North Star's product and, in turn, have led to an expansion of Alicat's apprenticeship scheme, resulting in a win-win situation for both companies.
North Star's impressive fleet of eight SOVs, either operational or under construction, is a source of pride, but a recent contract secured for a long-term offshore wind service logistics SOV from Siemens Gamesa holds special significance for the Lowestoft team. This vessel will be stationed at ScottishPower's East Anglia THREE wind farm for at least eight years, visible from North Star's office windows. This contract represents a stepping stone for further expansion within the region and a testament to the company's commitment to East Anglia's energy future.
With its commitment to local partnerships, operational excellence, and a growing fleet of SOVs, North Star is playing a pivotal role in shaping East Anglia's position as a leading force in the UK's energy landscape. The company's focus on local supply chains, combined with its dedication to innovation and sustainability, makes it a vital partner in driving the UK's transition to a cleaner energy future.
