Holstebro Municipality plans heliport at Thorsminde Harbor

Today, servicing of offshore wind turbines is carried out both from the water and from the air. A helipad for helicopters at the port is therefore a central function of the future service port for the offshore wind farm "Thor".

It only takes half an hour to sail from Thorsminde to the future offshore wind farm 'Thor'. But sometimes the work of servicing the project requires a faster mode of transportation when the turbines are soaring.

Therefore, Holstebro Municipality is planning a heliport in the southern part of the harbor to strengthen the position of Thorsminde Port as a service port for the wind turbine industry.

Time is money
With a distance of 20 km to "Thor", the port of Thorsminde has a natural advantage in the battle to attract the activities of the wind turbine industry. But a short distance is far from enough, and only one of many parameters that can sharpen the interest of the wind industry, according to both the Port of Thorsminde and Holstebro Municipality.

"When we already now start planning a heliport on the harbor area, it is both to signal our willingness to provide the necessary framework, but also because we can then quickly start the actual establishment if the operators choose to place some of their activities at Thorsminde Harbour," says Mayor H.C. Østerby.

The services, infrastructure and development opportunities of local ports are an essential part of the equation when the major offshore wind farm operators bid for the establishment of "Thor". This includes port buildings and operations, navigational conditions, zoning of land for new buildings, catering, accommodation and the local area's supply chains and subcontractors.

One step ahead
A preliminary study has already assessed that a heliport at the port is realistic. Therefore, Holstebro Municipality, in which the port is located, is embarking on a further qualification.

"When the Danish Energy Agency's tender is completed next year, the winners can hardly wait for us to put a new planning framework in place. And we won't just refer them to a nearby airfield. This gives us a head start," says H.C. Østerby.

Holstebro Municipality sees major benefits from 'Thor' in terms of growth and jobs in the coastal municipalities close to the offshore wind farm, which will be Denmark's largest.

The municipality's planning department is in the process of outlining the conditions and consequences of various approach corridors and other elements that affect the surroundings. A heliport at Thorsminde Harbour requires a town plan addendum, a new local plan and environmental approval. The plan is to submit the proposal for a town plan addendum for consultation before the turn of the year.

The wind turbines will supply green electricity to at least 800,000 households and will make a significant contribution to the national green transition.