ABP boosts military sea mounting capability

The agreement provides the MOD with access to ABP’s extensive network of ports across the UK, allowing for the loading and unloading of military hardware at no additional cost to the original Port of Marchwood contract.

“ABP is proud to provide the MOD access to our network of ports across Britain for both national emergencies and routine business,” said Henrik L. Pedersen, chief executive of Associated British Ports.

“By doing so, ABP is confident it will increase the resilience and capacity of the MOD’s sea mounting capability for the most demanding scenarios, whilst driving greater cost-effectiveness into routine deployments.”

This new agreement builds on ABP’s long-standing partnership with the MOD at Marchwood, a port leased in 2016 under a 35-year agreement. The arrangement has enabled the MOD to maintain sea mounting capabilities while offloading infrastructure maintenance costs. Additionally, the MOD benefits from a share of commercial revenues generated by the port.

ABP is investing £100 million in upgrading Marchwood’s infrastructure, including jetty improvements that will significantly increase its capacity for both defence and commercial activities.

The upgrades will allow for docking of the world’s largest car-carrying vessels, ensuring Marchwood meets the MOD’s current and future requirements.