The Humber Renewables Awards 2025 are currently accepting submissions, and with only a month remaining before nominations close, we connected with the current Humber Renewables Champion.
Emerging from a nautical family with deep roots in the Humber, Camilla Carlbom Flinn’s ascent in the industry occurred during a period of significant change.
For while the energy transition has unfolded from the corridors of power to homes and industries, no clearer vision has developed than on the Power Estuary itself.
Immingham Dock, originally constructed to facilitate coal exports, was traversed by her great-grandfather during its construction as work was completed on the 45-acre enclosure back in 1912, prior to his namesake shipping firm managing the very first vessel to pass through the lock.
Less than a century later, the port was being adapted to import fossil fuel at a large scale, as power stations required coal to keep the nation’s lights illuminated, whilst mines in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire were shuttered. As the country gradually moved away from coal, renewables sparked progress across both banks.
Carlbom Transport – now known as Pentagon Marine, following its acquisition in 2022 – plays a vital role for the vessels contracted to assist in constructing the world’s leading wind farms and has recently added the largest jack-up vessel globally to its impressive fleet.
Camilla has been pivotal in that transition. Raised in Cleethorpes, her school vacations were filled with regular visits to the Immingham office, before she left to pursue studies in international business management and broadcast journalism.
An early career in media took her to Paris, London, and New York, before she returned to Lincolnshire with her young family in 2008. The unexpected passing of her father, Anthony, led her to take the lead at Carlbom Transport as a new industry era began, a decision that was always in the making but occurred unexpectedly.
“I had always been involved in the business from my teenage years, frequently spending time in the office, meeting clients and accompanying my father to business lunches and dinners,” she recalls.
“Before I even returned to the Humber, I was well-acquainted with the staff in the office, as well as with several clients, but I only came back 17 years ago when my father passed away.”
Industrial heritage
Carlbom was established in 1897 in Grimsby, expanding into Hull and then Immingham when the port emerged. With a proud legacy and commendable achievements throughout its history, Camilla notes: “We managed the very first vessel to enter Immingham Dock, the SS Max, and it’s remarkable that we’re still here, alongside some of the same family businesses still operating on the river.
“That’s the essence, the small, long-standing companies with wonderful relationships on the Humber. We have all developed in various ways. It is the foundation of the maritime network that has also transformed into the renewables network on the Humber.”
These initial cautious steps into offshore wind have flourished, and under Pentagon, the enterprise is now actively operating from Aberdeen to Lowestoft, and thriving in the Humber, where so much has transpired.
“We have been significantly involved in the development of all the major wind farms off the East Coast in the last decade, including operations and maintenance in Grimsby.
“We’ve recognized the necessity of traditional ship agency services, but this has expanded to include warehousing, transport, customs, procurement – it’s truly a substantial logistical operation supporting the offshore wind network.
“This has been fantastic for so many companies around the Humber and beyond. You can see the investment it has generated, evident in Grimsby, Hull, and Immingham. The ports are bustling, especially during the construction phase. The scale of vessel movements is simply astonishing for the region.”
The long-standing team and its independence translated to a smoother transition than it might have been for others. “We could be very nimble,” Camilla explains. “We could respond really quickly, and if we received an unusual request we could just get on with it, which is ingrained in our service levels to our clients. Whatever they need, even if they may not realize they need it, we have the knowledge and experience to deliver.
“There are so many aspects of offshore wind, particularly in construction. It has been a significant shift in how we operate and the services we provide, and this transformation was crucial, especially with the closure of coal-fired power stations. It has been vital for the maritime sector.”
Current champion
Her recognition as Humber Renewables Champion was as much about her contributions outside the corporation as within it.
Camilla is a prominent figure in Humber Marine & Renewables and, continuing another family tradition, serves as honorary consul for Sweden and Finland, while also chairing the Humber chapter of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce and being a member of the Swedish Council in London, actively promoting business and cultural ties across the North Sea.
She initially became involved with Humber Marine & Renewables, established through the merger of Team Humber Marine Alliance and Grimsby Renewables Partnership, in 2010.
“I remember my first international trip to Denmark in 2010, visiting Esbjerg, and touring a Siemens blade factory over there. Now it’s incredible to fast forward 15 years and we are doing that at the Humber, showcasing how to operate in offshore wind to the rest of the world.
“We have hosted visitors from China, South Korea, Taiwan, and the US, in addition to Europeans. We are now the poster child for offshore wind – particularly regarding how to utilize the resources of past fishing industries that have diminished and leverage the infrastructure, skills, and expertise into offshore wind. It’s an extraordinary accomplishment.”
And while now a leading figure on the board, she credits the organization for facilitating such advancement.
“For a small business to enter the offshore sector, Team Humber opened numerous doors,” she states.
“You don’t meet people through cold calling, but at times Team Humber organizes events, which are enjoyable. You meet fascinating individuals, learn about their businesses, find common ground, and when you need a service or a subcontractor you have that network.
“We have achieved a considerable amount of work for some major players in the sector, and on the Hornsea Two project (the latest project completed by Orsted on the Humber) we collaborated with 125 subcontractors.
“A significant portion of that supply chain was local, including hotels, taxi services, bus companies, catering, security, and cleaning services – it’s not just about vessels; it’s equipment, repairs, bunkering, stevedores, and the list extends well beyond maritime. That’s what Offshore Wind has contributed to the community.”
Combined with her journalistic background and experience, she has found immense value within the trade organization.
“It has consistently provided substantial benefits to businesses, and the individuals involved have always…
been incredibly inviting, and it feels great to provide once more,” she states.
“We’re all voluntary administrators, yet what you contribute, you receive in return; you are nudged out of your comfort zone, but why not? The more businesses we can assist, the better it is for the community.
“We should be vocal about what we are capable of achieving on the Humber, as we are at the forefront of offshore wind, hydrogen, decarbonization, and – being the top area for CO2 emissions in the UK – we’re also set to lead the way in carbon capture.
“The investment in that aspect of the industrial decarbonization strategy is substantial, and hats off to the major players making it a reality. Each of us holds a responsibility, but it requires leadership, and the Humber is among the leading regions.”
Humber Renewables Awards
Camilla justifiably received recognition for her prominent role as well, yet she humbly shifts the focus onto the burgeoning talent and innovation that the Humber Renewables Awards promote.
Referring to the Clear Maritime Demonstration Competition, with Hull’s MMS participating in GT Wing’s new propulsion technology, Tidal Transit incorporating electric engines into crew transfer vessels, and the initial charging stations suggested at offshore sites, she remarks: “In a decade’s time, all of this will be routine, but it’s starting here.
© Provided by Humber Marine & Rene“That’s the excitement of the Humber Renewables Awards; you get to discover all these incredible innovations and what they are accomplishing, whether it’s projects, community engagement, or technology. A lot of it is grassroots, and some is spearheaded by major corporations, all while providing transformative experiences to our educational sector. It’s remarkable and all interconnected, and it deserves to be celebrated.
“There are so many amazing individuals achieving so much, not only within their businesses but also outside of them. I was surprised to hear my name mentioned, and I felt quite unprepared for it. I truly was honored because I understand the efforts people make for their communities, and – particularly having been a judge – you come to know so many diverse companies and various individuals whom you admire.
“To then be singled out and receive that acknowledgment was genuinely moving. It is very significant as there are some outstanding people who have been Humber Renewables Champions in the past.
“It was wonderful, but then you must double your efforts, ensuring you earn the title until it is passed on to the next recipient!”
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