The Port of Tallinn and Utilitas Wind, a renewable energy producer and district heating company in Estonia, have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the development of offshore wind energy in the country and the Baltic States.
Cooperation with Utilitas, according to Valdo Kalm, CEO of the Port of Tallinn, represents the port’s rising role in the development of renewable energy in the Baltic Sea area.
“Port of Tallinn has set an objective to become the leading offshore wind farm operator in the Baltic and Northern European region. To this end, we have decided to invest up to approximately US$56 million to build a new quay in Paldiski South Harbour,” stated Kalm.
Because of Paldiski South Harbour’s advantageous location, the construction of the new 310-metre quay with a 100,000 m² backland area will lay the groundwork for the Estonian port to become an important partner in the construction and subsequent maintenance of offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea region.
The additional quay will increase the port’s ability to handle offshore construction and supply boats for offshore wind farm development and wind turbine component shipping. The huge back area beyond the quay provides for varied preparations for the fabrication and storage of generators and wind turbine blades prior to loading on a ship.