Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading port owner and operator, published its Annual Review 2020, which celebrates the company’s achievements over the past 12 months and its ongoing commitment to building sustainable supply chains.
This year, the document was launched with an online video featuringABP’s Chief Executive Officer, Henrik L. Pedersen, in which he highlights key milestones and thanks ABP colleaguesand the wider maritime sectorfor their excellent work inthesechallenging times.
Henrik L. Pedersen, ABP’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am proud of our entire organisationand our customers, as we have worked with industry partners and government to support the UK economy and limit supply chain disruption
“Our ports remain an integral part of international supply chains,connecting businessesto global markets.In order to fulfil this essential role in international trade and the UK economy, we work together with our customers, with whomwe share a commitment to safety, sustainability and environmental protection, and we continue to make great strides in these areas.
”Over the past year, ABP has continued to invest in its people, facilities and equipment to deliver the best possible service to its customers safely and sustainably.ABPhasalso continued to transform itsports and terminalsinto low carbon, resilient hubs, which can help build the sustainable supply chains of the future.
Currently, 17 out of ABP’s 21 ports have renewable energy generation projects providing clean power for ABP, its customers and the National Grid. In addition, ABP has invested over £50 million in green technologies since 2011, including renewable energyprojects,electric vehicles, electric port equipmentand fuel efficient pilot vessels.
Other key investmentsin the enhancement of port facilities include £33 million in the expansion and upgrade of Immingham Container Terminal and £6.8 million in the Port of Hull to install the Humber’s largest roof-mounted solar scheme.
The Port of Southampton, the UK’s number one export port, has also seen major investments in its infrastructure and equipment to improve efficiency and boost sustainability.
In Wales and Short Sea Ports, there have also been major investments including a new port office in Lowestoft to support the offshore energy sector, a £2.2 millionterminal in Ayr and £7.8 million to replace and refurbish lock gates at the ports of Cardiff and Swansea.
Speaking about the ABP Annual Review 2020, MaritimeMinister Kelly Tolhurst MP, said: “The UK’s ports lead the world and in the past year we’ve seen great steps being taken to help us build a stronger, safer and more sustainable maritime environment for us all.
“As we look ahead to 2021, we will continue to work with our great ports to harness talent, boost diversity and take advantage of new technologies that will help kick-start this country’s green recovery.”
ABP’s network of 21 ports handle around 25% of all UK seaborne trade and offer unparalleled marine, road and rail access to domestic and international markets. ABP also owns the UK’s busiest rail freight terminal at Hams Hall located in the heart of the country.
Discover more by reading the ABP Annual Review 2020, available to download here.
