New cluster planned to unite North Yorkshire’s Maritime and Renewables sector

North Yorkshire Maritime and Renewables (NYM&R) will be formed to create a single, unified voice for an industry that touches every corner of North Yorkshire.

From the offshore wind assets developing in the North Sea off the Yorkshire Coast to the engineering firms, logistics companies, training providers, technology businesses and professional services organisations supporting them from inland towns and cities across the county, NYM&R will exist to connect the full breadth of the supply chain.

The cluster will recognise that the maritime and renewables economy is not confined to the coastline.

Manufacturers in Ripon, engineers in Harrogate, training providers in Northallerton and technology companies across the county all have a role to play in the clean energy future being built off North Yorkshire’s shores.

NYM&R will be the mechanism that brings them together with the coastal communities of Whitby, Scarborough and Filey at its heart, and the NYM&R will connect port operators, boat operators, offshore wind developers, supply chain businesses, professional services firms, skills providers and education institutions across North Yorkshire, building the collaborative infrastructure needed to attract investment, influence policy, and develop the skilled workforce that the clean energy economy will require in the years ahead.

The cluster’s founding mission will be to become an internationally credible centre for maritime and renewables activity in the north of England, providing a single point of connection for every business and organisation in the county operating in or adjacent to these sectors.

Richard Askam, Project Lead, North Yorkshire Maritime & Renewables Cluster, said: “North Yorkshire has extraordinary assets from world-class offshore wind resource on its doorstep, a rich maritime heritage, thriving port communities, exceptional education institutions and a broad base of businesses across the county that are ready to participate in the clean energy economy.

“What has been missing is a coordinated mechanism to bring all of that together. NYM&R will change that. This is not just a cluster for the coast, it is a cluster for the whole county.

“Every business in North Yorkshire with something to contribute to the maritime and renewables supply chain has a place in this conversation, and we want to hear from all of them.”

Tony Watson, Head of Economy and Tourism for North Yorkshire Council said: “North Yorkshire Council welcomes the development of the North Yorkshire Maritime and Renewables Cluster as a positive step in strengthening collaboration across this important sector.

“The Council has supported the establishment of the cluster through funding, recognising the significant opportunities it offers for economic growth, skills development and innovation.

“The opportunity extends well beyond the coast, with businesses and education providers across the county able to contribute to, and benefit from, the growth of the clean energy economy.

“By bringing together industry, skills and investment, the cluster has the potential to support economic growth, create new opportunities for local businesses and help ensure North Yorkshire is well positioned within the wider maritime and renewables sector.”

A series of launch events will take place across the county in September 2026:

Monday 14 September — Whitby, 11am / Scarborough, 3pm

Tuesday 15 September — Filey, 11am / Northallerton, 3pm

Wednesday 16 September — Online Webinar, 11am

The events are open to businesses and organisations connected to the maritime and renewable energy supply chain, and to secondary, further and higher education institutions across North Yorkshire.