A modern industrial success story for the Humber |
The man behind the construction and growth of Siemens Gamesa’s wind turbine blade manufacturing facility in Hull says the Humber Freeport offers businesses further confidence to invest.
Finbarr Dowling, chair of Humber Freeport (Image: Sean Spencer/Hull News & Pictures)
Finbarr Dowling, chair at the Humber Freeport, will be speaking at the annual Offshore Wind Connections conference (OWC2026) on Thursday, April 30.
He told event organisers Iconic Media Group: “Offshore wind energy is one of the Humber’s modern industrial success stories. The industry has provided thousands of skilled job opportunities to people in our region, with some of the world’s largest offshore wind farms now being operated from and supported by the Humber.
“As Humber Freeport, we’ve seen significant offshore wind investments being made at our tax sites, including the expansion of Siemens Gamesa’s wind turbine blade manufacturing facility at Alexandra Dock in Hull.
“Able’s plans to establish an offshore wind and renewables hub in Immingham would create a further significant national infrastructure asset not just for the Humber, but for the UK.
“Freeport status provides businesses with the confidence and the incentives to invest in the Humber, contributing to economic growth, job creation and driving new innovation.”
OWC2026 will take place at Hull’s Doubletree by Hilton. It is a two-day event which starts on the evening of Wednesday, April 29 with the RenewableUK Connect networking event and the exhibition hall will also be open.
Day two continues with presentations, expert discussions and more networking opportunities.
The event includes an exhibition hall (Image: SIMON KELCH)
The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Offshore Wind and Beyond: New Markets, New Funding, New Partnerships’.
The morning panel discussions and presentations will look at the national context and policy direction for how offshore wind development is achieved at scale. With a keen appraisal of where the market is heading, this will be set in context for the Humber in particular.
The afternoon panels will put a particular focus on resilience, security and innovation, with panellists assessing operational readiness and how businesses act on opportunities.
So far, former Siemens project director Finbarr Dowling will be joined by the following speakers and panellists:
Ajai Ahluwalia, head of supply chain, RenewableUK
Vicky Law, stakeholder manager, RWE Renewables
Daniel Weil, managing director, TICQ
Prof Jim Gilbert, director, Aura & Energy Institute, University of Hull
Sheena McGuinness, partner, RSM UK Tax
Didde Bjerglund-Martin, head of JOSCAR, Hellios Information
The Humber Renewables Awards dinner is the gala finale held on Thursday, April 30. It celebrates the individuals and companies that are driving the green energy revolution. Awards will be presented in the following categories:
Offshore Wind Company of the Year
Ports & Logistics Company of the Year
Renewable Energy Project of the Year
Small Business of the Year (under 50 employees)
Large Business of the Year (over 50 employees)
Innovation of the Year
Skills and Training Award
Health & Safety Award
Apprentice of the Year
Education Programme of the Year
In a strategic move to elevate the profile of the region’s supply chain, member organisation Humber Marine & Renewables has announced a new partnership with Insider Media and its parent company, Iconic Media Group, to deliver this year’s events.
Andrew Oliver, chair of Humber Marine & Renewables (Image: SIMON KELCH)
Andrew Oliver, chair of Humber Marine & Renewables, said: “We are excited to be working with Iconic Media to deliver Offshore Wind Connections and the Humber Renewables Awards.
“The region’s flagship conference and exhibition has grown with the industry here on the Humber, helping open doors for so many. We’re proud of the way it has united businesses in the area with international developers, operators and other inward investors, with the awards championing the success stories that have evolved in that time. I look forward to seeing new and familiar faces at the event this year.”
Keynote sponsors this year are Orsted and RWE. Support sponsors so far are Associated British Ports (ABP) and DBS Offshore Wind. Branding partners are RSM UK (drinks reception) and Hull City Council. And sponsors of the Humber Renewables Awards are RWE, Orsted and John Roe Group.
To book tickets and exhibition stands, visit offshorewindconnections.co.uk
To discuss sponsorship opportunities, email isobel.reade@iconicmediagroup.co.uk
This story is also published in Insight Energy magazine, covering the latest news from the UK's energy sector. Read the latest edition here.