ABP's 'ambitious' vision for Port of Barrow

Associated British Ports has unveiled a 'visionary' blueprint for its Barrow docks in potential projects it says are designed to drive growth and strengthen the local economy in response to the wave of significant investment coming by 2040 and beyond.  

A floating solar farm in Cavendish Dock at the Port of Barrow is due to be the first major project in ABP's masterplan with a new jetty and bases to serve offshore wind projected to follow. 

An overview of the plans (Image: ABP)

The masterplan also includes proposals for maritime connections to support hydrogen import and carbon storage.

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.

The company says this jetty would be an 'essential piece of infrastructure' that will help to position Barrow as a 'key player in the UK’s energy transition'.

The floating solar array could power more than 10,000 homes, ABP says.

A vision of how the solar array would look (Image: ABP)

Surrounding the port, Barrow's shipyard is expanding to deliver submarines under the AUKUS defence pact, hundreds of homes are being built in the Marina Village project, new wind turbines are being installed in the Irish Sea and Rampside Gas Terminal is to become a carbon storage cluster.

(Image: ABP)

ABP says the port can play a 'critical' role as new investment floods in. 

Cllr Jonathan Brook, the leader of Westmorland and Furness Council and cabinet member for the economy, welcomed the masterplan.

He 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.”

ABP says it also transferring land to BAE to allow for new submarine construction facilities. The blueprint also shows new maintenance buildings for offshore wind turbines.

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.”

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

"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.

"I am excited to see how these plans will deliver new opportunities for the people of Barrow.”