June 27 - Newhaven Port & Properties, the statutory harbour authority for the UK's south coast port of Newhaven, believes that its future lies in serving the renewable energy business and plans to create an 'Eco Port' for the future.
Currently, NPP says it is actively bidding for the offshore wind farm construction and operations and maintenance work for the Rampion Windfarm and perhaps the West Wight windfarm too. The Plan provides for the construction of a new heavy lifting quay, which would then be the only facility of this type on the South coast, claims NPP.
It is also in negotiations with Network Rail, with a view to restoring rail freight to the port, following the example of east coast ports and is actively seeking to attract businesses into the port in the renewable energy field, which can take advantage of the port facilities.
NPP is an active supporter of the work of local conservation group, the Friends of Tide Mills which is an abandoned village close to Newhaven. The village consisted of a large tide mill which was driven by the energy created by the tidal rise and fall of the sea, and are one of the earliest known forms of renewable energy.
With its latest focus on renewable energy, this could be a case of back to the future for NPP.
The September/October issue of HLPFI will contain a supplement on heavy lift ports and terminals. To shape the future of the editorial contact ian@heavyliftpfi.com
The village consisted of a large tide mill and numerous workers' cottages, housing about 100 workers. The tide mill at Bishopstone[1] was erected in 1761 by the Duke of Newcastle[2], and was later owned and operated by William Catt (1770-1853) and his family.
