Associated British Ports (ABP) has officially opened the Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility (LEEF) in a ceremony attended by UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. The £35 million project, which includes £2.3 million from the Town's Fund, is designed to enhance port infrastructure to meet the growing demands of the offshore wind industry.
The new facility plays a key role in positioning Lowestoft, the UK's most easterly town, as a hub for offshore energy operations. It also underscores ABP's role as a vital enabler of the energy transition in the region.
The development includes expanded quay space and deep-water berthing, with facilities equipped for bunkering, water, and electricity connectivity. These upgrades are tailored to support operations and maintenance (O&M) activities, as well as construction support for offshore energy projects. The facility has been operational since September 2024.
Henrik Pedersen, CEO of ABP, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Ed Miliband to officially open LEEF. This facility is a physical example of ABP's commitment to enabling the energy transition. Ports are a crucial foundation, not just for delivering the energy transition, but also for realising investment and jobs for the UK. We look forward to working in partnership with industry to make it a success and deliver jobs, opportunity, and prosperity for Lowestoft.”
Miliband highlighted the importance of the private sector investment, noting, “This private sector investment is a huge vote of confidence in our mission, supporting economic growth in the region and supporting a new era of clean electricity. The Port of Lowestoft shows that this unstoppable clean energy transition is underway, delivering our Plan for Change to rebuild Britain as part of a decade of national renewal.”
During his visit, Miliband toured North Star's Grampian Tweed, a hybrid electric service operation vessel (SOV) designed to support Equinor's operations at the Dogger Bank offshore wind farm. He also visited the control room of ScottishPower Renewables' East Anglia 1 offshore wind farm, which uses the Port of Lowestoft as its main O&M hub.
Ross Ovens, Managing Director for Offshore at ScottishPower Renewables, emphasized the strategic importance of the facility, stating, “It's fantastic to welcome the Energy Secretary to Lowestoft – the home and heart of ScottishPower's offshore wind operations in the UK – and celebrate the town's role as a clean energy powerhouse for the offshore wind industry. The opening of LEEF significantly strengthens what Lowestoft can offer developers and supply chain alike to help bring clean energy projects like our East Anglia windfarms to life and deliver real and lasting benefits for local people and businesses.
