WHITBY will miss out on millions of pounds and many new jobs if it is not involved with the building of a massive new offshore windfarm.
An offshore farm is to be built at the Dogger Bank, which is in the North Sea and is around 125km off the coast of Whitby, and is likely to be the world's largest offshore wind project, supplying 10% of the nation's electricity.
Scarborough Counci
l is now looking at the possibility of using Whitby to provide support to the project.
The council's portfolio holder for harbours, land and assets, Coun Peter Popple, claimed the arrival of the Dogger Bank scheme could have the same impact the oil industry had on Aberdeen and nearby Scottish ports.
"It is a massive opportunity and it is one that we want to grasp with both hands, " he said.
"We are extremely hopeful that the Yorkshire region, and the Whitby borough in particular, will benefit greatly from the Dogger Bank wind farm scheme.
"It is still in the early stages, but we are keen to look into any benefits which can be secured from the outset."
In a report to go before the council's cabinet on Tuesday, Ian Anderson, head of Legal and Support Services wrote: "Whitby Harbour as the closest port to the proposed development at Dogger Bank is best placed to capitalise on the opportunity of providing operation and maintenance support to the development."
Forewind, a consortium of four international energy companies, successfully tendered for the delivery of the scheme and have been charged with sorting out the logistics.
Mr Anderson added: "Forewind requires a supply chain that is capable of delivering the required infrastructure support.
"They lack local knowledge of the available skills and location infrastructure. The focus thus far has been toward the Humber Gateway, however, there is a clear and obvious opportunity for the borough of Scarborough and in particular the ports of Whitby and Scarborough as the closest geographical location to Dogger Bank.
"In addition, all Investors will require a supply chain capable of delivering Operation and Maintenance support for the industry.
"Whitby, in particular, is ideally placed to provide part a significant element of the requirements of the industry for support vessel operations, ports and logistics being the closest port to the proposed development.
"Some investors are considering joint ventures to progress this opportunity and council officers have been approached by companies to assess thecouncil's willingness to become involved in such an arrangement.
"Investors need the local commitment, skills and knowledge.
"This report seeks authority to explore that opportunity."
The council will be asked to agree to approach Yorkshire Forward about becoming involved in the scheme.
Forewind's head of engineering and supply chain, Mark Legerton, confirmed talks were under way with the region's companies, local authorities and the regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward.
"There will undoubtedly be jobs for generations as a result of this project," he said.
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