Port operator ABP has agreed a strategic relationship agreement with the Ministry of Defence to boost the flexibility and resilience of the UK Armed Forces.
The agreement gives the MOD access to ABP’s ports across the UK, including on the Humber, for loading and unloading of military hardware at no additional cost to the original contract for the provision of such services at the Port of Marchwood.
Henrik L. Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer of Associated British Ports, said: “As part of our strategic commitment to supporting the defence sector, ABP is proud to provide the MOD access to our network of ports across Britain for both national emergencies and routine business.
“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. We look forward to deepening our relationship with the Armed Forces and the strategic defence sector across the UK.”
Vice Admiral Andy Kyte CB, MOD’s Chief of Defence Logistics and Support, said: “This new arrangement greatly boosts the resilience, efficiency and agility of Defence’s Sea Mounting Capability through access to ABP’s national port estate. The relationship with ABP forms a key component of the UK Strategic Base which is critical to Defence’s ability to mount, sustain and recover force elements.”
