ABP secures infrastructure investment funds

The funding forms part of a £300 million financing package that also includes support from private sector lenders led by Bank of America, alongside Lloyds and NatWest. The National Wealth Fund’s longer-term financing is designed to better align debt repayment with the lifespan of the infrastructure projects being delivered.

“The National Wealth Fund’s strategic ambitions, innovative thinking and ability to commit over the long term make it uniquely positioned to support ABP’s targeted major infrastructure investment programme,” said Henrik L. Pedersen, chief executive of Associated British Ports.

“I would also like to thank Bank of America, Lloyds and NatWest for their involvement, a further expression of their ongoing support for ABP.”

The programme will support a series of projects across ABP’s network, including a new freight ferry terminal at Immingham, further upgrades at the Port of Lowestoft to support offshore wind activity, infrastructure improvements at the Port of Ipswich linked to the Sizewell C supply chain, and the development of Solent Gateway to strengthen trade and defence capabilities.

More than 700 jobs are expected to be supported or created through the programme, with investment aimed at boosting economic growth in coastal and industrial communities while strengthening UK supply chains.

The National Wealth Fund said the investment aligns with its objective of accelerating regeneration and unlocking private sector investment in strategically important sectors. Ports have been identified as a priority area because of their role in supporting trade, industrial development and the UK’s clean energy transition.

“One of the National Wealth Fund’s core ambitions is to accelerate investment and regeneration in the places and regions of the UK,” said Oliver Holbourn, chief executive of the National Wealth Fund.

“This commitment is about more than upgrading or delivering infrastructure – it is about unlocking the long-term potential of places that have powered the UK economy for generations.”

Maritime Minister Keir Mather welcomed the investment, describing ports as vital economic assets that support trade, jobs and growth across the UK.