IJGlobal ESG Supply Chain 2025 – SeAH Wind UK, Teesside

Financing of the world’s largest offshore wind technology factories in Teesside, north England, was chosen to win IJGlobal ESG Infrastructure Deal of the Year 2025.

One of the judges said: “This transaction is a vastly important step in the right direction towards enabling infrastructure for energy transition.”

Weighing in at £367 million, this project is to finance construction of the world’s largest wind monopile manufacturing facility, receiving considerable support from UK Export Finance (UKEF) and K-Sure assisted.

SeAH Wind – a subsidiary of SeAH Steel – was established in 2019 to bolster SeAH Steel’s position in entering the burgeoning offshore wind market by leveraging its expertise in steel pipe manufacturing, offshore engineering, and renewable energy.

The deal was (at the time of announcement) the world’s biggest wind monopile factory project and the UK’s first offshore wind monopile project, creating 750 jobs by 2027 and 1,500 supply chain jobs.

The factory will now be able to produce even bigger monopiles and a wider range of products to meet industry demand, supporting the UK’s place in the global offshore wind supply chain.

Annually, it will produce up to 200 monopiles, forming the foundation of offshore wind turbines, making it a critical component for the growth of the global renewable energy sector. Upon completion of the factory, SeAH Wind UK will export to US and European markets.

Beyond carbon reduction, ESG policies have shaped the SeAH Wind project’s lifecycle by embedding sustainability into operations. The facility incorporates responsible sourcing, waste minimisation and emissions tracking.

These policies have influenced strategic decisions, leading to portfolio shifts toward ESG-aligned investments. The success of this transaction prompted UKEF to expand its mandate, issuing its first inward investment guarantee.

This shift signals a broader institutional commitment to ESG principles. The project’s lifecycle impact includes enhanced resilience, stakeholder trust, and long-term viability. ESG integration has also enabled access to diversified capital sources, reinforcing the project's financial sustainability.

Overall, the transaction showcases how ESG policies can reshape investment portfolios and operational frameworks beyond environmental metrics.

The joint-financing model – backed by UKEF and K-Sure – is a sector-first, promoting innovation in offshore wind infrastructure.