With so many moving parts worldwide, a customs issue at one port can see an offshore wind project shudder to a grinding – and costly – halt.
Clarksons Port Services (CPS) is an expert in preventing such scenarios.
A division of Clarksons, the company offers comprehensive, integrated logistics and project-managed services for the marine and energy sectors.
Operating from 22 offices across the UK and The Netherlands, it provides a 24/7 suite of services 365 days a year. These include everything from port agency, support base operations, customs clearance and consultancy, through to project management, helicopter operations and freight forwarding – to name but a few.
The company appointed John Palmer as head of projects in April 2025.
John brings more than 15 years of senior leadership in offshore wind, including global roles at Siemens Energy, construction management at Corio Generation and vessel fleet and operational management at Seajacks (now Cadeler).
In this time, he has seen the complexities of offshore wind firsthand, as projects increase in both size and the number of assets to build.
“Multi-port coordination is now one of the biggest challenges, with projects spanning multiple countries – turbines manufactured in Denmark, foundations fabricated in China and staged in the Netherlands, installation vessels mobilising from the UK.
“Floating wind also requires a different skillset and multiple ports due to the nature of construction and installation,” said John.
“Each port has different regulations, customs requirements and operational constraints. One delay cascades through the entire project, affecting timeline and cost.”
Additional challenges include vessel and equipment coordination, changeable weather conditions and regulatory compliance across jurisdictions.
“I’ve worked on projects from the North Sea to Japan, which has included operating in the added complexity of earthquake zones. Each location has unique requirements for environmental impact, safety standards and operational procedures,” said John.
“The fundamental problem is that traditional port agents handle one piece of this puzzle,” he added. “When unexpected challenges arise – and they do – you need someone who can coordinate across the entire logistics ecosystem, not just their local piece.”
John works alongside project logistics manager Peter Stauble and senior project manager Jordan Page, both of whom have energy backgrounds.
Together, the Clarksons Port Services team is driving the company’s evolution from reactive service provider to proactive project partner.
“We’re leveraging our existing maritime infrastructure but adding the specialised project management capabilities that offshore wind demands,” said John.
This has seen CPS become a reliable partner for those seeking a streamlined logistics service.
John added: “What I’ve found since joining Clarksons is that developers are increasingly looking for ‘single-point accountability’. They don’t want to manage relationships with a dozen different service providers across multiple ports and countries.
“Clarksons brings 170-plus years of maritime expertise, but what’s unique is how we’ve evolved that heritage for the offshore wind sector. Our global network means we already have established relationships and local expertise in every major region.”
CPS clients also benefit from a team that has walked the same walk.
“When we’re discussing logistics challenges with a developer, they know we’ve been in their shoes managing similar projects and budgets,” said John.
“We understand both the technical complexities and commercial realities of working in marine environments – the credibility factor is huge.”
As part of the Clarksons group, CPS is well positioned to be at the forefront of offshore wind logistics for decades to come.
“The companies that will succeed are those that can make this transition from traditional service providers to strategic partners,” said John. “That requires significant investment in capabilities, different risk profiles and accountability for outcomes rather than just activities.
“At Clarksons, we have the heritage, network and financial strength to make this investment. But more importantly, we have the operational expertise and strategic vision to execute on it.
‘A fantastic opportunity’
Clarksons Port Services appointed Jordan Page as senior project manager in September 2025.
Jordan joined the company from offshore wind developer Corio Generation, where he shaped logistics strategies for its global pipeline of projects. He previously served as operations superintendent at Seajacks, managing jack-up vessel operations and associated management activities.
“I’ve worked closely with CPS and the wider Clarksons group over the past six years and have always been impressed by the dedication exhibited through building great relationships, which has always been at the heart of what Clarksons does,” said Jordan.
“Having the opportunity to collaborate with Clarksons, now as a colleague, while also joining John and the team to deliver on the company’s offshore wind ambitions, is a fantastic opportunity.”
In the short term, Jordan’s role will focus on successful project delivery, strengthening client relationships and making sure CPS adds further value to offshore wind clients.
“As we grow, I expect my role to evolve into one that not only manages projects but also helps shape our internal systems and processes as well as mentoring the new project managers we welcome.”
Outside of work, Jordan is an avid golfer, youth football coach and Chelsea fan who loves to travel.
“Taking my son to Stamford Bridge is something very special to me; carrying on the tradition that my dad started with me at a very young age,” he said.
For more information or to make an enquiry, please visit clarksons.com/port-services or contact the team on cps@clarksons.com
This story is also published in Insight Energy magazine, covering the latest news from the UK's energy sector. Read the latest edition here.
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