The masterplan describes how Barrow is poised to take advantage of significant long-term investment, driven by its crucial role in meeting the UK’s obligations under the AUKUS partnership and in achieving net zero emissions by 2050. ABP’s masterplan will ensure that the Port of Barrow is equipped to meet these challenges by expanding its capacity and capabilities across key sectors.
The first project from the masterplan is the Barrow EnergyDock – which will soon be going to public consultation. This project will set the stage for a significant shift in green energy capacity primarily intended for Barrow’s advanced engineering sector. The Barrow EnergyDock floating solar project would be a pioneering initiative designed to meet the growing demand for zero-carbon energy. The project proposes a floating solar array in Cavendish Dock, which can generate up to 32 MWp of green electricity, enough to power the equivalent of 10,300 homes each year.
The second objective focuses on how the port will play a role in boosting the UK’s wider journey to energy security and net zero. Barrow has already established itself as a key player in the offshore wind industry, serving as a home to five Operations & Maintenance (O&M) bases. ABP is planning for the construction of new O&M bases to accommodate the growing offshore wind sector, along with berths capable of handling larger Service Operation Vessels (SOVs). One such development is the Walney Channel O&M Base, where ABP has identified 4.7 acres of land adjacent to Ramsey Way. This site will provide the facilities necessary to support future wind energy projects, including warehousing, crew facilities, and marine access points for SOVs and Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs).
Alongside these O&M facilities, ABP is expecting to provide facilities for the construction process of the windfarms themselves, supporting the expected £17 billion investments in wind energy expected to come to the Eastern Irish Sea under the Round 4 process. The expansion of these facilities will ensure that Barrow remains a leading hub for wind energy, anchoring high-skill jobs and growth in the local economy.
In addition, the masterplan includes new proposals for maritime connections to support hydrogen import and carbon storage. As part of its broader commitment to achieving net zero, ABP has undertaken early feasibility studies on developing a new jetty capable of accommodating incoming gas carrier vessels up to 200 metres in length and with a capacity of 25,000 cubic metres. This jetty would be an essential piece of infrastructure will help to position Barrow as a key player in the UK’s energy transition.
The third objective sets out ABP’s specific plans to reinforce the local economy while moving to net zero, building biodiversity and strengthening communities. ABP wishes to contribute to stakeholders’ wider efforts to make Barrow a more attractive place to live and work. This includes supporting proposals a new ‘Skills Quarter’ for the town and the Barrow Marina Village project, while maintaining ABP’s wider community work such as the main sponsors of the annual Barrow Tall Ships event.
“ABP is proud to be part of Barrow’s future by helping to create the facilities needed to support the advanced engineering cluster” said Bryan Davies, Divisional Port Manager (Northwest and Scotland) at ABP. “Our masterplan ensures that this development benefits not only the industry but also the local community and environment, and supports ABP’s wider sustainability strategy – Ready for Tomorrow.”
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