ABP’s £25 million development of LEEF (Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility) for offshore wind
This week, Associated British Ports (ABP) welcomed the news that the Marine Management Organisation has given consent for ABP’s £25 million development of the Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility (LEEF). This will enable the Port of Lowestoft to support the offshore wind sector in achieving the Government’s target of 40GW of offshore wind energy by 2030, and will have a profound, positive economic impact for the region. Following East Suffolk Council’s approval for the land-side elements, ABP has the necessary permissions to progress the development.
ABP’s strategically located ports have a proven track record of investment and delivery to support the offshore wind industry. ABP’s Port of Grimsby is the largest base for offshore wind operations and maintenance (O&M) activity in the world and ABP’s Port of Barrow in Furness also hosts the largest number of O&M facilities on the West Coast UK in a single port location. ABP’s development at Lowestoft builds upon this, as well as the success of ABP’s £310 million offshore wind manufacturing facility at Green Port Hull, a joint investment with Siemens Gamesa, which has helped to accelerate the growth of offshore wind energy generation and secure supply chain benefits for the local economy.
The LEEF development will create more quay side space, and deeper water allowing for three O&M vessels to use the berth simultaneously, as well as new offices and additional facilities for Crew Transfer Vessels. This work will be done alongside the retention and improvement of fish landing sites, to continue support of the local fishing industry.
Andrew Harston, Regional Director, ABP said:
“At ABP, we are proud to be investing boldly in infrastructure to enable the UK’s strategy for decarbonisation and the use of renewable and clean energy. With over 30 years’ experience in providing O&M for the offshore wind industry, we are proud to play our part in supporting its rapid growth. Not only will our LEEF development support the increased production of more renewable, clean energy but it will also bring hundreds of new jobs, investment and interest in the region.”
ABP remains fully committed to supporting the growth of the offshore wind industry, and the local economy, and looks forward to beginning the work on the state-of-the-art facilities at Lowestoft in 2022.
