New deep-water terminal to be established at UK port, fostering increased commercial activity
The Port of Great Yarmouth is undergoing a significant expansion, with a £60 million investment focused on developing a new deep-water Southern Terminal at the Outer Harbour. This project includes 350 metres of additional quay, a Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ramp, a heavy lift pad, and approximately ten hectares of reinforced storage space.
The expansion aims to secure planning consent by early 2026, positioning the port to significantly boost its capacity and operational flexibility. This development is a direct response to increased demand from contractors and developers involved in major UK infrastructure projects, such as the Sizewell C nuclear power project and various offshore wind energy projects in the southern North Sea.
One such offshore wind project served by the Port of Great Yarmouth is the East Anglia Two project. ScottishPower Renewables has selected the port as the staging ground for pre-assembly works for this 960 MW offshore wind project. The components of the Siemens Gamesa turbines for the East Anglia Two project will be assembled at the port.
The port's Director, Richard Goffin, stated that the port has been supporting major offshore and inland energy projects for over six decades, and demand continues to grow. Mr. Goffin emphasised the port's team's expertise and its ideal location to support the construction of vital infrastructure projects. The port's strategic location avoids common issues like tidal restrictions, shallow channels, and road bottlenecks encountered at other east coast ports, positioning Great Yarmouth as a key logistics hub for these large-scale construction and energy endeavors.
The Port of Great Yarmouth's existing terminals are also serving as a staging ground for offshore wind project components. The port is currently supporting the pre-assembly works for the East Anglia Two offshore wind project. The assembled components from the East Anglia Two project will be installed in the southern North Sea.
This expansion will enhance the port’s role in delivering major energy and infrastructure projects, supporting the UK’s broader energy transition and construction efforts. The Port of Great Yarmouth continues to play a crucial role in the UK's offshore energy sector, with its expansion set to bolster its capabilities and contribute to the country's renewable energy goals.
[1] Port of Great Yarmouth, "Port of Great Yarmouth announces £60m expansion plan," [https://www.portofgreatyarmouth.co.uk/news/port-of-great-yarmouth-announces-60m-expansion-plan/]
[2] Offshore Wind, "East Anglia Two project," [https://www.eastanglia2.com/]
[3] ScottishPower Renewables, "East Anglia Two," [https://www.scottishpowerrenewables.com/projects/offshore/east-anglia-two]
[4] The Guardian, "Port of Great Yarmouth to expand as offshore wind industry booms," [https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/07/port-of-great-yarmouth-to-expand-as-offshore-wind-industry-booms]
The expansion of the Port of Great Yarmouth will contribute to its capacity and flexibility, enabling it to better serve the growing demand from the renewable-energy industry, particularly offshore wind energy projects. This investment in finance will support the UK's broader energy transition and construction efforts, positioning the port as a key player in the country's renewable-energy sector.
