A major partnership between Associated British Ports (ABP), Brett and Tarmac has formed to help scale up logistics operations in the delivery of Sizewell C.
The new partnership will offer a single, integrated tri-modal supply chain for construction materials at the Port of Ipswich’s West Bank, operated by ABP.
It is hoped the partnership will help improve efficiencies and capacity between marine and rail – with Sizewell C having set a target for at least 60% of its construction materials to arrive by rail or sea.
Paul Ager, Divisional Port Manager at ABP, said the partnership will help relieve pressure on local roads between Ipswich and Sizewell.
He added: “We believe this partnership gives Sizewell C a practical solution with strong marine and rail capacity at its core.
“Ipswich gives the scale, the storage capacity, quayside strength to support large volumes and the connectivity needed for reliable delivery.
“This is a solution that works with the local community and reduces pressure on local roads.”
Oliver Brown, Development Director at Brett, said: “The Brett site in Ipswich has been operating since the 1980s and this partnership builds on that local strength.
“Our site at the West Bank is already a key part of the region’s aggregate supply and our ability to import aggregates by vessel and links to the rail network give us a strong base for supporting Sizewell C.
“This collaboration supports reliable delivery, efficient movement of material and lower impact on the environment.”
Will Pearson, Nuclear Commercial Director at Tarmac, added: “Our focus is on ensuring consistency and certainty in supply as the project progresses.
“By combining our materials expertise with established rail capability, we can help maintain momentum on site while supporting more efficient, lower-impact delivery at scale.”
The announcement has been welcomed by local business leaders and politicians alike – with hopes it will help further boost employment opportunities throughout the construction stage of Sizewell C.
Ashley Shorey Mills, Supply Chain Engagement Director at Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “This partnership demonstrates how the expertise and relationships within the Sizewell C supply chain can help deliver both significant local economic and wider environmental benefits.
“It seamlessly blends together established businesses at a scale and certainty required for a project of this size.
“Using the Port of Ipswich and existing rail and marine routes strengthens resilience, supports delivery of the Sizewell C programme and helps to maximise the economic benefit of the project for Ipswich, Suffolk and the wider region.”
Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, added: “The Port of Ipswich plays a central role in our local economy, and this partnership shows the strength of Ipswich and our wider region in supporting national infrastructure projects.
“Bringing ABP, Brett and Tarmac together gives Sizewell C a dependable logistics route built on proven local capability.
“It will support jobs and investment, and strengthen our supply chain, as we look to maximise the local benefits from this landmark project.”
Helen Pluck, Chief Executive at Ipswich Borough Council, said: “This partnership shows how Ipswich supports nationally significant infrastructure.
“We want to see Sizewell C leave a lasting legacy in Suffolk, and this partnership demonstrates the role Ipswich is ready to play in delivering it.”
