A PORT operator has welcomed one of the world’s largest wind farm installation vessels after spending £35m on a quay upgrade.

PD Ports says the Pacific Orca has docked at Teesport.

The 161-metre long craft will be fitted with equipment to secure turbines into the seabed while berthed in the region.

The quay, referred to as Number One, was originally built in the 1960s.

However, bosses previously sanctioned its replacement in order to welcome larger vessels carrying greater cargo from around the world, with the 18-month renovation seeing the demolition and re-construction of 24,000 tonnes of concrete decking.

David Robinson, PD Ports’ chief executive, said: “Pacific Orca is a sight to behold; Number One has just been declared open for business but one of the biggest wind farm installation vessels in the world is there already.

“We are excited about future projects.”

Funding to improve the quay was secured through the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, with support coming from the Tees Valley Unlimited Local Enterprise Partnership.

Pacific Orca, which follows another wind farm installer, the Jumbo Javelin, into Teesport, will work on the 116-turbine Rampion development, in the English Channel.

The scheme is led by energy company, Eon, and officials previously claimed it will supply power for 300,000 homes every year.

PD Ports, which celebrated its quayside upgrade with a topping out ceremony attended by Lord Michael Heseltine earlier this year, has also launched a campaign to promote greater use of rail and water-based deliveries.

Bosses say the initiative, run alongside shipping companies, Network Rail, Highways England, the Road Haulage Association and the Tees Valley Combined Authority, aims to cut the environmental impact of road distribution.