Strong evidence emerged yesterday that a much sought after Scottish wind farm contract targeted by Fife firm BiFab will be manufactured in China.
It was thought a portion of the fabrication deal for 120-turbine jackets at SSE’s Seagreen wind farm off the coast of Montrose might be done in Scotland.
But correspondence seen by The Courier appears to show that the lion’s share of the work will be done at a huge yard close to the South China Sea.
The papers clearly state that a China-headquartered firm has been contracted to undertake jacket fabrication work at Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm.
A spokesman for SSE Renewables refused to deny the claims despite numerous requests for clarification.
He said SSE were “committed to maximising Scottish and UK content during the construction and operation” of the wind project.
He added: “We are working closely with our industry peers, and both the UK and Scottish governments, to further develop the capability of the UK and Scotland’s offshore wind supply chain so that local, Scottish and UK businesses can further benefit from the opportunities that this growing sector presents.”
The Chinese site is understood to be Zhuhai Fabrication Yard, owned by Cooec-Fluor Heavy Industries.
The yard, one of the largest in the world, is located free trade zone and boasts a “low-cost, skilled” workforce.
The news will come as further blow to BiFab who has lost out on a number of big wind turbine contracts to foreign firms.
The company is set to manufacture eight jackets for the 54-turbine Neart Na Gaoithe (NnG) wind project of the coast of Fife, while the rest will be built in Indonesia.
A spokesman for BiFab owner DF Barnes would not be drawn on the claims but said the firm was “focussed on the future and on winning new contracts”.
Meanwhile BiFab will see its Arnish yard mothballed today despite accounts indicating the firm stemmed its haemorrhaging losses by over £42 million.
Newly filed financial statements show the company cut pre-tax losses from £48.6m in 2017 to £4.6m for the year ending December 31 2018. Turnover fell from £101m in 2017 to £18.6m last year.
But the last remaining staff at the firm will today lose their jobs just days before Christmas.
EDF Renewables confirmed last month that BiFab would fabricate “at least” eight foundation turbine jackets on the 54-turbine Neart Na Gaoithe (NnG) offshore wind project.
A further deal for the manufacture of up to 150 turbine pin piles at Arnish is also understood to be up for grabs.
But despite claims BiFab’s Canadian owner DF Barnes is “very close” to a deal with project contractor Saipem, no contract has yet been agreed.
business@thecourier.co.uk