JDR Cables contract extension with PD Ports shows long-term commitment to Hartlepool renewables hub

Posted on 03 January 2024

A leading manufacturer of subsea cables connecting the global offshore energy industry has reaffirmed its commitment to continued growth in Hartlepool by signing long-term contract extensions with PD Ports.

JDR Cables has been a tenant at Port of Hartlepool since 2008, creating a world-class manufacturing facility that was later extended to comprise approximately 300,000 square feet.

The company has now signed 15-year contract extensions with PD Ports, securing 280 jobs and continuing its position at the heart of Hartlepool’s growing offshore and renewables cluster.

Hartlepool stands as JDR’s flagship facility, a world-class quayside manufacturing site strategically located within a North Sea port.

With a highly flexible production setup, the facility excels in manufacturing ultra-long length cables and umbilicals. In a recent development, JDR invested £3million to introduce a vertical lay up machine (VLM), nearly doubling the product weight capacity at the Hartlepool facility.

This upgrade significantly enhances production continuous length capabilities by approximately 25%, positioning the facility to manufacture static array cables for fixed foundation wind and dynamic cables for the rapidly growing floating foundations wind applications.

With these investments and long-term agreements, the company is able to grow beyond its current 66kV product range, with plans to incorporate 132kV and 150kV cabling.

Mark Braybrooke, chief operating officer at JDR Cables, said: “As a UK-based company, we take pride in our pivotal role in enhancing the local economy of the North-East and the broader UK.

“Our commitment extends to supporting local workforces and fortifying our supply chains. Operating from our Hartlepool facility, we are dedicated to contributing to the growth of the renewable energy sector, fortifying the UK’s position in offshore wind manufacturing and leading the export of new subsea power and control connection technologies to the global offshore energy sector.”

Michael McConnell, group property director at PD Ports, said: “The extension of JDR’s leases at the Port of Hartlepool is a real vote of confidence and shows a long-term commitment to the town and the wider region, which we’re delighted to support.

“The infrastructure at the port is ideal for companies within the energy sector, with direct access to operations in the North Sea.”

With JDR Cables contracts extensions, Hartlepool has reinforced its position as a key industrial hub for the offshore renewables sector, with other key companies including Teesside Windfarm Ltd.

The industrial zone was also further boosted in October 2021 when, following 18 months of negotiation, PD Ports secured the tenancy of construction services provider Strabag at Port of Hartlepool, resulting in approximately 100 direct jobs.

News of JDR’s commitment to Hartlepool has won the backing of the town’s MP, Jill Mortimer, and John McCabe, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce.

Jill Mortimer MP said: “I am delighted at this news from PD Ports and JDR Cables. JDR are a business I have enjoyed visiting many times, they are a great team and a robust employer for Hartlepool.

“Their continued investment here demonstrates the positive change, optimism and belief in our community which I have encouraged, fought for and witnessed since my election in 2021.”

John McCabe added: “The extension of JDR Cables’ lease at Port of Hartlepool provides a huge boost to the region’s renewable energy sector, as well as our local economy.

 “The move secures 280 jobs and reaffirms the company’s commitment to establishing Hartlepool as a global manufacturing site. 

 “With our highly skilled, regional workforce and thriving supply chains, the port is ideally placed to position the company, as well as the North East, front and centre of the offshore energy industry.”

Images provided by JDR Cables and show their operations at Port of Hartlepool

For more information on JDR Cables please visit www.jdrcables.com

PD Ports Group

• PD Ports is one of the UK’s major port groups operating across 12 locations nationwide including Tees Valley, Groveport, Felixstowe and the Isle of Wight.
• PD Ports is the Statutory Harbour Authority along a 12 mile jurisdiction along the River Tees with legal responsibility to ensure the safe navigation for vessels and maintenance of the river.

Investment and jobs

• Employing over 1,500 people, PD Ports is the largest private employer in the Tees Valley and generates 10% of the region’s total GVA.
• As a leading global gateway, Teesport provides is of national strategic significance, providing businesses and exporters across the UK with essential access to international markets.
• As the only major net exporting port in England, Teesport is central to boosting UK exports and achieving Global Britain.
• 142 direct jobs created within the Tees Valley in 2021
• Over 22,000 jobs supported in the wider supply chain
• In the last 10 years, PD Ports has attracted over £1bn of private investment to the Tees Valley, backed by long-term contracts, creating over 2,500 high quality, direct jobs.
• PD Ports’ commercial operations on its Teesport Estate remain key to unlocking the economic potential across the Tees Valley, delivering private investment, creating jobs and supporting levelling-up in the North.
• This builds on our long-standing commitment to supporting the regeneration of the South Bank development, now known as Teesworks, which has also included contributing parcels of land to support access arrangements in and out of the Teesworks site. In 2021, as SHA, PD Ports launched a new Teesport website aimed at promoting the unique strengths of the River Tees whilst elevating global visibility to international investors.

People and skills

• Teesport is the UK’s number one port operator for supporting young people.
• Teesport is a leading employer with a strong track record on safety, training and skills
• 2021 marked the 20^th anniversary of PD Ports’ apprenticeship program with over 30 apprentices currently employed.
• Co-founders of High Tide Foundation (2012) – dedicated programs aimed at raising aspirations and increasing career prospects for 11-19 year olds across the Tees Valley.
• 2022, re-launched dedicated primary school maritime engagement program, Teesport Explorers.

Sustainability

• Teesport plays a leading role in offering sustainable logistics solutions, facilitating renewable energy and delivering Net Zero; a major driver in Tees Valley’s role as the UK’s centre for clean energy.
• Fully committed to achieving carbon neutrality across Tees-based operations by 2027
• ISO:14001 (Energy Management System) across all 12 nationwide locations
• Developing greener supply chains through Teesport Intermodal Rail Terminal with the capacity to remove 85,000 trucks off the road annually and significantly reduce carbon emissions.

2022 Awards/accreditations

• Business Continuity Management ISO 22301 Accreditation
• Maritime UK Business of the Year
• CILT People Development Award
• NEPIC Corporate Environmental Award
• RoSPA Gold Award

Future prospects

• Development of the Northern Gateway Container Terminal at PD Ports’ Teesport Estate to support growing customer demand. An investment of over £185 million, the Northern Gateway Container Terminal will increase capacity to over 1.5million TEU (triple that available on the Humber).

Source: PD Ports