Joy at completion of £35m Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility

The £35m construction of Associated British Ports’ (ABP) Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility (LEEF) has been completed - enabling a new era of offshore energy growth in the region.

With the port transformed into an "offshore energy hub", the major redevelopment project will support both operations and maintenance activities in the North Sea and the construction of hundreds of new offshore wind turbines.

Port owner and operator ABP expressed delight as the ribbon was cut on the LEEF site - the UK's most easterly port - marking the completion of the transformative £35m infrastructure project that was supported by the Town’s Fund.

A Norside Supporter vessel calling at the Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility (LEEF) in September. Picture: Stephen Waller (Image: Stephen Waller)

Contractors McLaughlin & Harvey officially handed over the LEEF, with its purpose-built, state-of-the-art infrastructure strengthening Lowestoft's position as a key hub for offshore wind and energy markets.

Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility (LEEF) in September. Picture: McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd (Image: McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd)

Julian Walker, chief commercial officer and regional director, Wales and Short Sea Ports, said: “LEEF is a pivotal development for Lowestoft and will help us to meet the growing demands of the offshore energy industry.

"Its completion marks a major milestone in the port’s evolution as a hub for supporting this vital industry and in ABP’s goal of enabling the energy transition.

The Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility (LEEF) - the UK's most easterly port. Picture: Associated British Ports (Image: Associated British Ports)

“LEEF will build on the vital role the Port of Lowestoft is already playing in offshore wind, as the base port for SSE’s Greater Gabbard and SPR’s EA ONE wind farms.

"Its adaptable infrastructure will also ensure ABP’s readiness to support future projects such as Sizewell C and other emerging industries.  

"We look forward to continuing to develop for the future in the region through supporting both existing and new projects with world-class facilities."

Adrian Pollock, operations director, civil engineering from McLaughlin & Harvey, added: "We are proud to have delivered this comprehensive port infrastructure upgrade project.

"Our civil engineering expertise in marine works and collaboration with ABP allowed us to design and deliver a new facility that will help ABP achieve their ambition of offering three berths and heavy lift capabilities for the growing offshore wind and energy sectors at Lowestoft."