Associated British Ports (ABP), a leading UK port operator, had the honor of hosting the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, The Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, at the Port of Lowestoft on 23 January 2025. The visit marked the official inauguration of the Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility (LEEF), a groundbreaking US$43 million project that received a substantial US$2.8 million contribution from the Town’s Fund. This cutting-edge port infrastructure has been specifically designed to cater to the evolving needs of the offshore wind industry.
Henrik Pedersen, the Chief Executive Officer of ABP, expressed his excitement about the occasion, stating, “We are thrilled to have Ed Miliband with us to officially launch LEEF. This facility exemplifies ABP’s dedication to facilitating the energy transition. Ports play a vital role not only in driving the energy transition but also in attracting investments and creating employment opportunities for the UK. We are eager to collaborate with the industry to ensure the success of LEEF and to bring jobs, growth, and prosperity to Lowestoft.”
The establishment of the LEEF project is pivotal in positioning Lowestoft, the easternmost town in the UK, as a key hub for supporting the region’s offshore energy sector, while also underscoring ABP’s significant contribution to the energy transition.
Michael Gordon, the Commercial Director and CCO of North Star, shared his enthusiasm about Ed Miliband’s visit to their state-of-the-art SOV, emphasizing the importance of vessels like theirs in achieving energy independence for the UK and Europe in the upcoming decade. North Star, a UK company expanding into Europe, is well-positioned to contribute to this cause and appreciated the opportunity to showcase their innovative business to Ed Miliband and his team.
Moreover, the LEEF facility features enhanced quay space and deep-water berths equipped with modern bunkering, water, and electricity connections. These advanced amenities have been tailored to support Operations & Maintenance (O&M) activities and provide construction support for the offshore energy industry, with the facilities having been fully operational since September 2024.
The LEEF development represents the latest milestone in ABP’s substantial portfolio of port investments, totaling approximately US$1.2 billion over the past five years. Looking ahead, ABP has an ambitious pipeline of major projects, with a strong emphasis on supporting the green energy transition. This underscores ABP’s pivotal role as a driving force behind the UK’s journey towards achieving net zero emissions. Plans include a US$620 million investment in South Wales to transform the Port of Port Talbot into a hub for manufacturing, installation, and supply chain activities within the Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) sector.
Additionally, the Immingham Green Energy Terminal aims to attract billions of pounds in investment for green hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon capture and storage infrastructure, further solidifying ABP’s commitment to sustainable energy development.
In conclusion, ABP’s dedication to fostering sustainable energy solutions and driving the UK towards a net zero future is evident through projects like LEEF and their ambitious investment plans. The collaboration with industry stakeholders, government officials, and local communities underscores ABP’s commitment to creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for the UK.
