The nine-strong US government delegation arrived in Hull today and have visited Siemens, Green Port Hull and the University of Hull. Following a lunch with Councillor Sean Chaytor, Lord Mayor of Hull, at the Guildhall, the visitors headed over to Queen Victoria Square this afternoon to see Blade, which forms part of Hull UK City of Culture 2017 celebrations.
The enormous scale of the 75-metre long Siemens rotor blade depicts the size of the rewewables industry in Hull. It is the largest, single-cast handmade object in the world and has been crafted by the people of Hull. Blade is supported by Siemens and Green Port Hull.
The visit has been organised by Team Humber Marine Alliance, in partnership with the British Embassy in Washington DC. It is the second top-level American party to visit the Humber in the last six months, to learn about our wind industry.
The aim of the tour is fact-finding and gathering evidence on the socioeconomic impact of offshore wind. They are visiting offshore wind facilities, academic and training establishments and meeting local authorities and businesses.
It is also another excellent opportunity to highlight Green Port Hull as a global centre of excellence for offshore wind, and renewables generally, and that our skills and experience are transferable to the US.
There is clearly a huge appetite in the States to develop renewables and they are extremely serious about meeting their targets.
