Grimsby’s offshore wind fleet has been boosted with the arrival of MMS Superior.
The 26-metre high-specification multi-purpose vessel becomes MMS Offshore’s third to be based in the town.
It takes investment in the burgeoning sector by the Hull-headquartered business to £12 million, having expanded into new quayside facilities in the past year too.
MMS, a shipyard celebrating its 31st anniversary as the champagne popped, launched the wind division in 2013, with managing director Rob Langton pleased with how it is developing.
Speaking to invited guests at Humber Cruising Association, he told how he first stepped foot on Grimsby Fish Docks as an eight-year-old, 50 years ago, accompanying his father as he assessed the Ross trawler trio Khartoum, Kandahar and Kelly, prior to their lengthening.
“I feel proud to be here and to name this vessel here,” he said. “Our aim is to work the vessel within the Humber region from our operational support base in Grimsby alongside our other two vessels, MMS Crusader and MMS Supreme.
“We look forward to seeing what the future holds for the Port of Grimsby as the offshore renewable industry continues to grow, bringing employment, education and life back into a port that has suffered since the decline of the fishing industry.
“We are excited to be a part of such promising times and have chosen to register the vessel’s home port as Grimsby to show our commitment to the region.”
It comes in a week when Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult committed to the town for an Operations and Maintenance Centre of Excellence, with the world-leading cluster making headlines as Humber hosted the Energy and Clean Growth in the Northern Powerhouse conference and exhibition.
MMS Superior, built by Damon was named by Camilla Carlbom Flinn, chair of Stallingborough-based Carlbom Shipping, having been invited by Mr Langton.
She said: “MMS is one of the gems of the Humber, it makes us proud of our maritime heritage and I admire Rob and his team’s dedication to keep ship repair and ship building skills alive here on our historic estuary.
“Earlier this year they expanded and opened an office and berthing facility here. Their commitment to Grimsby and the arrival of this vessel demonstrates their wish to play their part in utilising the local skills and the seafaring workforce which has always been at the core of this region.
“MMS has made an enormous commitment to the Humber offshore wind sector and to local organisations like Team Humber Marine Alliance and Grimsby Renewables Partnership.”
Telling of her pleasure as THMA vice chair to be alongside Mr Langton at advisory board meetings and events in the UK and Europe, she said: “His passion for the maritime industry, coupled with expertise of MMS makes Rob, his family and team great ambassadors for our region. They are a vital part of the maritime supply chain and the expansion of fleet of workboats and vessels is a real asset to Grimsby.
“It is a great honour that they have chosen to register this vessel here, it is proof of their faith, not only in this port, but also the future of offshore wind in our region and out across the North Sea to Europe.”
(Image: Grimsby Telegraph)
David Laister Business Editor (Grimsby & Scunthorpe)