Lowestoft has welcomed the first vessel to its new £35m port ahead of the facility being completed and fully operational next month. 

The Port of Lowestoft is the UK's most easterly, owned and operated by Associated British Ports (ABP). 

The Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility (LEEF), a £35m redevelopment project, will support both operations and maintenance activities in the North Sea, as well as the construction of hundreds of new offshore wind turbines.

The milestone saw a Norside Support Walk to Work (W2W) arrive at the port for the very first time.

READ MORE: New £35m port and offshore energy deal to boost jobs in East

The vessel was chartered by ODE Asset Management (ODE AM), arriving from Aberdeen and berthing at the facility to embark 50 personnel for a two-week offshore campaign.

Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility (LEEF) Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility (LEEF) (Image: McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd)

Tom Duit, operations manager at ABP’s Port of Lowestoft, said: “This successful first call at LEEF is a testament to great teamwork.

"A particular thanks to Capt. Gary Horton and Jack Savage who piloted the vessel in today, and the ABP Lowestoft marine team who provide professional and dedicated support to our customers at all times.

"For them, as for all of us, this was a very special day.”