A family-owned Cumbrian business has been awarded a £2m contract for its innovative design to boost the offshore wind industry.

MPM North West in Maryport has developed a floating bollard system, that allows vessels servicing the wind turbines to moor within an 11m tide range at any time.

It has already resulted in 12 new jobs for the company, with possibly more to follow.

Director Michael John Hawkins said the bollards will allow crew members to leave boats moored safely, without manpower, while they deliver equipment or carry out repairs and maintenance to the turbines.

The bollards have been supplied to leading energy company DONG Energy. It is the second largest contract MPM has won from DONG Energy.

Late last year it began the manufacture of 60 new lifting arms for the offshore wind farm, which are now being installed.

The contract also includes three years of maintenance work for MPM North West.

Mr Hawkins said this entry into the offshore wind farm business is another diversification for the company.

“You have to take what comes along. It ensures the future of the company and the people employed here,” he said.

MPM North West recently built and installed the Knightsbridge at Fitz Park in Keswick.

It also won the contract some years ago to paint and maintain Blackpool Tower and has been responsible for the maintenance and repair of several of the country’s piers.