Competition launched for people to choose name of new ship bound for East Anglia THREE windfarm located off Suffolk coast near Lowestoft

A competition has been launched for people to choose the name of a new ship bound for a wind farm off the Suffolk coast.

North Star, ScottishPower Renewables and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy have turned to members of the public for a winning suggestion for the ship travelling to the East Anglia THREE windfarm, located 69km from Lowestoft.

The North Star hybrid-powered service operation vessel (SOV) will accommodate up to 60 of Siemens Gamesa’s wind technicians as they work offshore maintaining all 95 wind turbines at the East Anglia Hub development.

The new vessel will also carry the first name ‘Grampian’ as homage to the UK’s leading SOV operator’s Aberdeen heritage, where it was established 137 years ago.

The three businesses are welcoming people to find a suggestion for the second part of the ship’s name which acknowledges East Anglia’s rich maritime heritage or its local community.

Robert Catchpole, North Star COO, based in Lowestoft, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for local schools and individuals to get involved in naming the latest addition to our fleet, which will play a crucial role in maintaining and servicing East Anglia THREE for the next decade.

“The winner will be invited on board one of our existing SOVs to see firsthand the superior craftsmanship and innovative technologies embedded in our designs.

“They will also be presented with a special scale model of the new ship bearing its new name. We look forward to seeing the creative suggestions that celebrate our local maritime heritage and community.”

Residents can enter the competition via North Star’s website here.

The competition closes for entries on Saturday, November 30.