ABP plans Barrow Port transformation

ABP’s masterplan describes how Barrow will take advantage of significant long-term investment in three key areas – an advanced engineering cluster, net zero cluster and local businesses, communities and environments.

“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,” said Bryan Davies, divisional port manager (Northwest and Scotland) at ABP.

The masterplan details how the port will:

• Expand capacity to support manufacturing and shipping of submarine sections to meet the demands of the AUKUS tripartite deal between the UK, US and Australia.
• Play a role boosting the UK’s journey to energy security and net zero.
• Reinforce the local economy, making Barrow a more attractive place to live and work.

“ABP’s masterplan is a visionary blueprint for the future of Barrow,” said Michelle Scrogham MP for Barrow and Furness.

“The focus on sustainable growth, along with the port’s role in supporting both advanced engineering and renewable energy, means this plan will have long-lasting benefits for our community.”

Solar and offshore wind

Specific plans include the development of the Barrow EnergyDock floating solar project, comprising an array in Cavendish Dock generating up to 32 MWp of green electricity, enough to power 10,300 homes each year.

Already well-established in the offshore wind industry, ABP is planning new operations & maintenance bases along with berths capable of handling large service operation vessels. Alongside these additional facilities, ABP is planning facilities for the construction of wind farms as well as connections to support hydrogen import and carbon storage.

The port operator is also planning a new jetty to accommodate gas carriers up to 200m in length as well as a new skills quarter for the town and a Barrow Marina Village project.