17.12.2024 | Ports

• ABP’s Port of Ipswich and Lowestoft are strategically located close to Sizewell C, with rail connectivity to support Sizewell C’s commitment to transport 60% of material by rail or sea.
• ABP has extensive expertise in supporting major energy infrastructure projects, including Hinkley Point C
• EDF has secured a land option agreement for three parcels of land (30 acres in total) across the two ports.
• Both ports feature state-of-the-art facilities, secure storage for bulk materials and robust quayside infrastructure for heavy and complex cargo.

As the Sizewell C project gathers pace, Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading ports group, is delighted to reaffirm that its Ports of Ipswich and Lowestoft are strategically positioned and fully equipped to support the extensive supply chain demands of this transformative infrastructure project.

ABP is pleased that EDF has secured a land option agreement for three parcels across the two ports – 15 acres on the West Bank of the Port of Ipswich and 12.7-acre and 2.3-acre plots in Lowestoft.

At a mere 20 nautical miles from Sizewell C, the Port of Lowestoft is the closest port to the site and provides a vital logistical link. Complemented by the Port of Ipswich, which is 33.5 nautical miles away, and with rail connectivity at both ports, they provide ideal bases for meeting Sizewell C’s commitment to transport 60% of construction materials by rail or sea.

Sizewell C, which can generate 3.2GW of low-carbon electricity, is one of the UK’s most significant energy projects. It will follow in the footsteps of Sizewell B, the UK’s largest civil engineering project during its construction, second only to the Channel Tunnel. Sizewell C will create vast regional and national supply chain opportunities.

ABP has decades of experience in the energy and nuclear sectors, supporting major projects such as Hinkley Point C and BAE. This expertise, combined with a proven track record of operational excellence, ensures that ABP delivers the highest standards of safety, efficiency and customer service.

Paul Ager, Divisional Port Manager (East Anglia), said: “The construction of Sizewell C is a game-changer for the region and the UK, and we’re proud that ABP’s ports of Ipswich and Lowestoft are playing a role in supporting this major project. Both ports provide a strategic advantage to the supply chain by ensuring the efficient, sustainable and secure delivery of material needed in its construction. We look forward to collaborating with Sizewell C suppliers to develop bespoke solutions tailored to their needs.”

Ashley Shorey-Mills, Sizewell C Supply Chain Engagement Director at Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “Sizewell C represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Suffolk businesses, and ABP’s Ipswich and Lowestoft ports are ideally placed to play a pivotal role in delivering this vital piece of national energy infrastructure. ABP’s commitment to providing tailored solutions for the supply chain is excellent news for local companies looking to support this project. We look forward to seeing businesses across the region benefit from the opportunities this creates.”

Jess Asato, MP for Lowestoft, welcomed the news: “The Port of Lowestoft’s role in supporting Sizewell C will significantly boost the local economy, creating opportunities for businesses and jobs in our community. ABP’s investment in Lowestoft, which includes the recently constructed £35m Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility (LEEF), is a testament to the region’s strategic importance in supporting the UK’s goal to reach net zero, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will bring to East Suffolk.”

Jack Abbot, MP for Ipswich and the Government’s Mission Champion for the East of England, added: “The Port of Ipswich is perfectly placed to play a crucial role in the Sizewell C supply chain. This is a fantastic opportunity for Ipswich and the surrounding area to support a project of national importance and drive economic growth, create jobs and reinforce our region’s commitment to the UK’s energy transition goals.”

Image: Aerial view of ABP’s Port of Ipswich. C. credit: Stephen Waller.