The vast SeAH site being built on Teesside has already secured its first contract - the largest of its kind ever secured by any UK company.
The deal is for monopile foundations to be used by operator Orsted at the world’s largest offshore wind farm, Hornsea 3.
The contract - which will mean 'a significant number of new jobs' is a huge vote of confidence in the world’s largst bespoke XXL Monopile factory being built by SeAH at Teesworks which will be making use of the new deepwater heavy-duty quay under construction by Teesworks.
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Not only is this the first confirmed contract for the new SeAH factory, securing capacity at the site, it is also one of the largest orders ever received by SeAH. Work will begin in Q2 2025, with the last monopiles expected to be completed in Q2 2026. SeAH’s scope will include monopiles ranging from 1300 – 2400 tons with a diameter greater than 10m. Full delivery of the contract is subject to Orsted taking a positive Final Investment Decision for Hornsea 3.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The ground has only just been broken on SeAH Wind’s mammoth offshore wind factory and already the first contract has rolled in. This is the biggest contract of its type in the UK, for the globe’s largest offshore wind farm coming from what will be the world’s biggest monopile facility based in the UK’s largest Freeport. It’s no lie to say big things are happening on Teesside.
“This deal demonstrates that international firms are already recognising scale of opportunity here and it will further boost our reputation as the place to do business in the cleaner, safer and healthier industries of tomorrow. This is just the tip of the iceberg as we continue to drive forward investment right across our Freeport and create good-quality, well-paid jobs for local people.”
SeAH Wind Managing Director Chris Sungwhal Sohn said: “We feel privileged to sign an agreement to supply to Hornsea 3 as SeAH Wind’s first contract. Starting from 2024 when our facilities become operational, we are going to repay Orsted and the UK Government for the confidence they showed toward SeAH with high quality products and project management. Based on continued cooperation with partners, we intend to contribute to the development of global offshore wind industry as well as reach for the goals of our UK business.”
Orsted Senior Project Director Luke Bridgman said: “Hornsea 3 represents another leap forward in terms of the size and scale of offshore wind farms. As well as adding a significant source of low-cost clean energy, the project is also supporting the further development of the UK supply chain. Through our projects, we are also making ongoing efforts to work with new and expanding players coming into the market to support reducing the cost of energy.
"We have worked extensively with SeAH Wind to support their decision to establish a new, globally competitive monopile foundations facility in the UK and look forward to continuing to develop this relationship.”
Climate Minister Graham Stuart said: “Wind power has a key role to play in boosting our energy security which is why we’re acting now to increase our capacity and drive down bills in the long-run. But this can only happen with the support of international partners.
“Orsted and SeAH’s joint announcement today demonstrates their steadfast commitment to unleashing our world leading potential in the generation of offshore wind. The new contract being signed puts increased confidence in UK renewables, with investment and jobs right here in the UK, on the South Bank of the River Tees”.
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