The Port of Blyth has launched plans for a major infrastructure expansion programme worth up to £100m ($136m) aimed at strengthening its role in the UK offshore wind and clean energy sectors.

The project, officially unveiled during the port’s annual public meeting, centres on the Battleship Wharf Expansion scheme, which is expected to add new quay space, deeper water access and expanded heavy-lift handling capability to support larger offshore energy projects.

The development comes as competition intensifies among UK ports seeking to secure work tied to the next wave of offshore wind developments and low-carbon energy infrastructure.

Port of Blyth said the project would build on more than two decades of involvement in the offshore wind market and position the northeast England port for growing demand linked to new seabed leasing opportunities recently announced off the North East coast.

The early development stage of the scheme is being jointly funded by the port, Northumberland County Council and North East Combined Authority, alongside £275,000 in matched funding awarded by The Crown Estate through its Supply Chain Accelerator programme.

The overall project includes around three hectares of reclaimed land, up to 260 m of quay extensions and rock revetment infrastructure linked to the deepwater berth beside the JDR cable factory at Blyth.

Plans also include channel and berth deepening works to allow access for larger offshore vessels and installation ships, as well as additional heavy-duty handling equipment designed for next-generation offshore wind components.

Port officials said the investment is intended to attract clean energy manufacturers and strengthen regional supply chain capability as offshore wind projects move into larger-scale development phases.

Martin Lawlor, chief executive of the Port of Blyth, described the scheme as a major step for both the port and the wider region.

“This is a landmark moment for the port and for the wider region,” he said. “The Battleship Wharf Expansion will ensure we have the infrastructure, capacity and capability to support the next generation of offshore wind and clean energy projects.”

Lawlor added that the investment would help drive sustainable growth, create jobs and reinforce Blyth’s position within the UK energy transition.

The project arrives as the UK offshore wind supply chain faces mounting pressure to expand domestic manufacturing and port infrastructure capacity ahead of new leasing rounds and future turbine installations.

The Crown Estate recently confirmed fresh offshore wind seabed leasing opportunities off the northeast coast of England, a move expected to generate further demand for fabrication, logistics and marshalling facilities across the region.

Henry Kippin, chief executive of the North East Combined Authority, said the investment aligned with wider regional ambitions to position northeast England as a centre for clean energy development.

“By supporting infrastructure like the Battleship Wharf Expansion, we are strengthening our region’s ability to deliver offshore wind at scale, unlocking jobs and investment, and ensuring the North East is ready to seize the opportunities created by new seabed leasing off our coast,” he said.

The authority said the project would help unlock long-term investment and strengthen regional supply chains while supporting employment growth tied to offshore wind manufacturing and operations.

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, said the expansion would help ensure Blyth remained competitive as offshore energy investment accelerates.

“The port is at the heart of the clean energy revolution and it’s vital in an increasingly competitive world that Blyth and Northumberland remain at the forefront of this industry,” he said.

The Port of Blyth has steadily expanded its offshore energy footprint over the past 25 years, supporting offshore wind demonstration projects, subsea operations and energy logistics activity. The latest expansion plan signals another step in the race among UK ports to secure a larger share of offshore wind manufacturing, assembly and support work as developers prepare for the next generation of large-scale projects.