From Hormuz to the Humber – energy is on all of our minds
- 18 hours ago
- 4 min read
Fred’s PR and media director Dave Laister was at the lectern to help deliver Offshore Wind Connections in Hull last week. Here’s his take on the major event we’re proud to support.
The unbreakable link between the importance of energy and normal daily life as we know it, and the magnification of its hold on all aspects in uncertain times, won’t have escaped the attention of anyone reading this, or those attending the excellent conference and exhibition - be it the price, availability or the sourcing of the vital feedstocks in such volatile times.
A third once-in-a-generation shock to markets is making the exceptional the norm, so there’s nothing like our predictable North Sea gusts to breathe in a sense of security in supply. To hear of the immense feeling of responsibility to keep the very many turbines now out there spinning, day-in, day-out, really brought home just how far global tensions stretch.
No surprise then that the defence industry is aligning itself closely with developers of those great wind farms now reaching out into the hundreds of kilometres offshore.
From the Strait of Hormuz to Greenport Hull and Port of Grimsby East, energy is front and centre for those sailing or serving, innovating and protecting – and it was well reflected.
Certainty of supply and security of generation have undoubtedly joined sustainability as huge elements in the energy transition. Rightly so, and offshore wind is an industry that would say it is doing its utmost on all fronts as part of the vital mix.
A second major take was the way the industry has really caught the attention of the next generation too, and it was great to turn the tables from introducing Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s video contribution in 2025, to that of Wilberforce College student Jack Hall this time out.
From the highest echelons of UK policy, to a teenager at Wilberforce College. Exam timetabling meant he couldn’t take in his own contribution - a monologue address covering the importance of the sector, and the Humber to it - but the ovation was in stark contrast to the silence of school test conditions he was sat through.
It was part of some excellent work Humber Marine & Renewables has been doing to encourage and foster young ambassadors in the region, and it just goes to show how this industry here is really making an impact where it matters most, for and with that next generation.
“Locally powering communities, nationally strengthening the economy and globally tacking climate change,” was a take that really resonated, a three-pronged explainer covering off so much more than many a glib three-word slogan.
Perspectives from the experts landed quickly after too.
Rob Gilbert of the publicly owned energy investment company GB Energy described the Humber as the “absolute case study” for why the UK has been successful in the offshore wind sector, stating it was “the most crucial part of our storytelling around clean energy”.
While contractually obliged to do so, Freeport chair Finbarr Dowling told how the Humber was “unbeatable” as a place for companies to invest – he should know having led both the Siemens Gamesa blade plant to Hull and a Siemens Mobility train factory to Goole as an unofficial ambassador before taking up office.
From a logistical standpoint of moving from goods-in, goods-out on the Humber to Merseyside and the US beyond, to energy-in, energy-out for the UK as a whole; then hearing the estuary described as the Manchester City of offshore wind by a Norwegian cluster leader perhaps more Earling Haaland than East Hull, before the ‘race for second’ (when it comes to innovation, not still on the football theme) was highlighted - a harsh reality of commercialisation of groundbreaking products and services. It was fascinating stuff from the stage.
Personally too, the offer to host my first OWC back in 2024 came just days after being made redundant from my business-facing role in the regional news industry, and it quickly quashed a fear I know many former colleagues had harboured, that your value was there only because of your employer and its influence.
Quite the opposite, joining Fred was quickly followed by an invitation to become a Humber Marine and Renewables director, having previously served Grimsby Renewables partnership and stepped away when Hull became part of my wider patch back in 2019.
To help steer the strategy of an organisation that had just landed a significant grant from Maritime UK was a privilege not to pass up, and I’d like to think both Fred and HM&R are better for the strengthening relationship two years on.
But the proudest element of last week’s celebration was the opportunity to honour a good friend, sadly lost. Kurt Christensen, an ambassador, advocate and pioneer of this place’s role in offshore wind, sadly passed away last year.
Now we have the Kurt Christensen Apprentice of the Year Award.
Recipient Alisha Doughty, of RWE Renewables, probably wasn’t born when his eyes first lit up at the thought of what offshore wind was about to bring to this part of the world. But she’s the absolute embodiment of what he wanted it to bring. Opportunity, a real sense of worth, and a smile that suggests everything might just turn out all right!
The Fred team has extensive experience across the energy and renewable sectors, as well as manufacturing and professional services, so whether you need an interim Marketing Director for a fresh strategic perspective, a crisis communications plan to protect your reputation if an incident occurs, or a fresh perspective on your brand, or PR - or simply want a chat about your positioning in your sector, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Fred team. Email me at dave@fredmarketing.co.uk or call the office on 01482 227227 – we're here to help.
You can also read more about OWC 2026 here: Offshore Wind Connections 2026 underlines the Humber’s importance on the world energy stage | Humber Marine Renewables
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