The Marine Management Organisation has given consent for ABP’s £25m development of the Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility (LEEF) to support offshore wind development.
The LEEF development will create more quayside space, and deeper water allowing for three operations and management vessels to use the berth simultaneously, as well as new offices and additional facilities for crew transfer vessels.
This work will be done alongside the retention and improvement of fish landing sites, to continue support of the local fishing industry, ABP said.
The company added that the new facility will enable the Port of Lowestoft to support the offshore wind sector in achieving the government’s target of 40GW of offshore wind energy by 2030.
Following East Suffolk Council’s approval for the land-side elements, ABP now has the necessary permissions to progress the development.
ABP regional director Andrew Harston said: “At ABP, we are proud to be investing boldly in infrastructure to enable the UK’s strategy for decarbonisation and the use of renewable and clean energy.
“With over 30 years’ experience in providing O&M for the offshore wind industry, we are proud to play our part in supporting its rapid growth.
“Not only will our LEEF development support the increased production of more renewable, clean energy but it will also bring hundreds of new jobs, investment and interest in the region.”
Development of the facility is expected to start in 2022.