Twelve months on from the launch of Humber Freeport, collaboration between industry, academia and the public sector is said to have helped the region align on its unique proposition.
Major investments from global businesses have been committed to the Humber Freeport tax sites in Hull and Goole. These are expected to create more than 700 skilled jobs, in sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing and technology to ports and green energy.
Humber Freeport has positioned itself at the heart of the region’s industrial strategy, shaping skills development and innovation and helping to drive a place narrative capitalising on the Humber’s world-class expertise in decarbonisation and clean energy.
A year ago, Humber Freeport Chair Simon Bird welcomed delegates to Associated British Ports’ historic Pump House in Hull for the Freeport launch, when he set out the vital role of freeport status as a catalyst for growth. Hesaid: “When freeports were established, the Humber was identified as the region with the most powerful proposition, and which could benefit significantly from freeport designation.
“Fast forward to today and we are seeing that potential being realised. The investments secured in our tax sites will be transformational for the Humber, both in terms of direct employment and through growth in the broader supply chain.
“It’s important we build on this impressive momentum. We’ve got off to a very strong start – now we must seize the opportunity to supercharge our region’s economy.”
Connecting many of the key investments pledged so far is the drive to decarbonise the Humber’s energy-intensive industrial cluster.
Humber Freeport will continue to work with the Government to help deliver on its green agenda, driving clean and sustainable growth. Humber Freeport is also building on the region’s existing strengths in advanced manufacturing, logistics, chemicals and port-related industries.
Much of the early investment in Humber Freeport sites has been made within the Hull East tax site. Those investments include Equinor selecting Saltend Chemicals Park for the low carbon hydrogen production plant and Pensana for its rare earth processing facility. Meld Energy for green hydrogen plant, also at Saltend, is also moving forward.
Other key projects have also been announced at the chemicals park – a clean gas plant by Standard Gas Technologies and plans by OXCCU for a demonstration plant to convert carbon dioxide and green hydrogen into sustainable aviation fuel.
Within the wider Hull East tax site, plans have also been approved for the £200m Yorkshire Energy Park, a technology campus which could support more than 4,000 jobs.
Patrick Pogue, Group Director, Growth and Innovation at px Group, owner and operator of Saltend Chemicals Park, said: “We’re seeing significant investment at Saltend by companies focused on green energy and low carbon technology.
“The incentives created by freeport status offer a very important additional attraction and give the Humber a major advantage in the international competition for major inward investments.
“Humber Freeport is a powerful weapon in the region’s armoury and acts as a catalyst for growth and skilled job creation.”
