Blue Water shares decades of wind expertise with Port of NEOM

Energy cargo skills training to support rising wind component volumes at Port of NEOM in Oxagon, NEOM’s reimagined industrial city in north-west Saudi Arabia

Blue Water was contracted by Port of NEOM to support its cargo handling capabilities, in its role as an enabler of the renewable energy manufacturing infrastructure coming to life in Oxagon. 

With a proven track record in managing wind turbine components for offshore projects globally, Blue Water was appointed as an advisor to ensure safe and efficient handling of wind components for Oxagon’s clean industrial tenants. As part of its role, Blue Water is also providing on-ground training to support the port’s talent development program, expanding its operational expertise. 

“As we began developing this training project, our goal was to have the highest standards of service in port operations, both internally and externally. To achieve this, we sought to collaborate with industry leaders in the wind turbine generator port sector. Blue Water quickly emerged as the clear choice,” says Luis Felipe, Sr Manager, General Cargo, Port of NEOM.

“Our more than 30 years of experience at the Port of Esbjerg has positioned us as specialists in managing complex wind components. We are honoured to be invited to support Port of NEOM with this expertise,” adds Jacob Sund Thomsen, Manager Projects at Blue Water.

On site training

Port of NEOM engaged Blue Water to review their operational procedures, safety standards, lifting protocols, and to assess the readiness of the team to carry out wind turbine generator yard operations. A team of four experienced Blue Water stevedores travelled to Port of NEOM to deliver a two-week training programme for 24 staff, starting with classroom instruction followed by operational training. 

The training covered all key aspects of wind logistics, including correct lifting, safety procedures, storage area coordination and layout optimisation.

“The technical team was present on site, providing both assessments and advisory support before and during live operations. Blue Water’s expertise, recommendations, and overall evaluation played a key role in the successful implementation phase of this project,” adds Felipe.

“We tailored our training to match Port of NEOM’s set-up and conditions. It was a rewarding cross-cultural experience, and we are proud of how much we were able to share and achieve in a short time,” says Sund Thomsen.

The visit concluded with observations and recommendations to guide Port of NEOM’s yard operations as it expands its energy-specific cargo handling capabilities. Later this year, a delegation from Port of NEOM will visit the Port of Esbjerg to gain further insights from Blue Water’s wind turbine handling operations.

 

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