The Port of Blyth’s increasing value to the offshore energy and renewables industry in the UK has been recognised during a visit from the Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani MP.

The Minister spent time at the port and on the river itself to learn more about the port’s rapid development into one of the UK’s leading offshore energy support hubs and took a tour of two key features of Blyth’s Energy Central offering – the world leading renewables test facilities of the ORE Catapult and the £30m quayside development project taking place at the Northumberland Energy Park.

Energy Central is a unique partnership between Port of Blyth, Northumberland

County Council, the council’s development arm Advance Northumberland and the Offshore Energy Renewable Catapult, designed to create the perfect environment for inward investment from the offshore and renewable energy sector.

During her visit Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani said: "I am delighted to have made my first visit to the Port of Blyth today.

"The maritime industry is at the heart of the UK’s economy. The Port of Blyth is not only one of our key ports as a global trading nation, but also a fantastic example of the thriving offshore wind sector that is boosting renewable energy across the UK.

"Our Clean Maritime Plan outlines an ambitious vision for the industry and I was

delighted to meet some of the port’s brilliant staff to see the wider work being done to reduce emissions, improve air quality and tackle climate change."

Martin Lawlor, Chief Executive of Port of Blyth, said: "We’re delighted that the Minister joined us today to see for herself everything that Blyth has to offer in terms of growth, jobs and opportunities, at both a local and national level."

"Our Energy Central partnership with the County Council, Advance Northumberland and the ORE Catapult, ensures that we’re seen by the offshore energy sector as one of the UK’s most dynamic port destinations for major projects, innovation and investment. We’d like to thank the Minister for visiting and taking such an interest in our development."

Whilst in Blyth, as well as meeting senior port staff, the minister met key local figures including the new Conservative MP for Blyth Valley Ian Levy MP and the leader of Northumberland County Council Peter Jackson.