Associated British Ports (ABP) has unveiled its ambitious plans for the Port of Barrow, which it said is designed to drive growth and strengthen the local economy in response to a wave of significant investment coming to the region by 2040 and beyond.
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.”
AUKUS is a trilateral security and defence partnership between Australia, the UK and the US.
The masterplan sets out three core objectives “that position the town as a leader in advanced engineering and renewable energy, while fostering community and environmental sustainability.”
These objectives focus on delivering growth capacity for an advanced engineering cluster, a net zero cluster, and local businesses, communities and environments.
ABP outlines how the port will respond to new demand created by the AUKUS deal, which will make it critical for the port to expand its capacity to support the manufacturing and shipping of submarine sections.
ABP has been working alongside BAE Systems to transfer land that will allow a major increase in BAE Systems’ production capacity.
“Then, ABP will be working on the first major project from the masterplan – the Barrow EnergyDock – which will soon be going out to public consultation,” said ABP.
“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.”
ABP said 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.”
It said 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),” said the firm.
“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, we expect 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 200m in length and with a capacity of 25,000 cubic metres,” said ABP.
“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,” said the company.
“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.”
Kirsten Abbott, Commercial Manager (Energy) at ABP, said: “ABP is incredibly excited about the Barrow EnergyDock project, which marks a major step toward meeting the green energy needs of Barrow’s industries, and positioning Barrow as a forward-thinking industrial hub.
“ABP is committed to working closely with the Council, local stakeholder and the public to ensure that the Barrow EnergyDock project benefits the entire community. A public consultation on the project will begin shortly, giving local residents and businesses the opportunity to engage with this transformative initiative.”
Bryan Davies, Divisional Port Manager (Northwest and Scotland) at ABP, said: “ABP is proud to be part of Barrow’s future by helping to create the facilities needed to support the advanced engineering cluster. 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.”
Cllr Jonathan Brook, Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “This ambitious plan will be key to unlocking Barrow’s potential. The Council is committed to working closely with ABP and other stakeholders to make this vision a reality. By joining forces, we can ensure that Barrow thrives and delivers benefits that will be felt across the region for generations to come.”