http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/renewable-energy-news/by-technology/wind/port-development-essential-to-furthering-uk%e2%80%99s-offshore-wind.html

Developing ports capable of serving the UK’s growing offshore wind industry are essential to its further development, an industry expert told NewNet.

Dave Parkin, head of offshore renewables at engineering and design consultancy Atkins, said, ‘This is absolutely essential for major companies to manufacture and fabricate in the UK.’
Without the enhancement of port and docking facilities found on UK coastlines, major manufacturers such as GE, Mitsubishi and Vestas will not locate their businesses in the country, he said.
In contrast, enlarging ports to progress the offshore wind sector will also help develop expertise in this area and keep the UK at the forefront of developments.
‘We are getting approaches from Asia but we need to have a robust manufacturing base in the UK to support those discussions,’ Parkin said.
The UK has ambitious plans to increase its offshore wind industry to 48GW through development rounds issued by The Crown Estate.
But a £60m pledge by the previous Labour government is still under review as part of widespread Treasury cuts being put in place to tackle the UK’s deficit by the recently-installed Conservative-led coalition.
Parkin said alongside receiving interest for its service in Asia, renewable energy-focused activities in this region will also help drive down prices in Europe, where 1MW of offshore wind costs on average £3m to install.
‘Turbine pricing is largely determined by raw material costs but my prediction is that this will drop… because of large Chinese deployment,’ he said.