Associated British Ports (ABP) has celebrated the completion of a new £2.2m bulk warehouse at the Port of Ipswich.
The new terminal, which was officially opened by Ipswich MP Ben Gummer, replaces the former Number 2 and Number 17 warehouses at Cliff Quay.
Together with the Orwell Bulk Terminal, which opened in 2015, the new facility represents an increase in warehouse space at the port of more than 10%.
ABP invited pupils at Cliff Lane Primary School to take part in choosing a name for the new terminal, with the winning suggestion being Cliff Bulk Terminal.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Gummer said: “The Port of Ipswich continues to play its central and historic role in the growth of the local economy and has supported businesses across East Anglia. Ipswich Port is the hidden jewel in our economic crown and deserves celebrating. This new facility is an excellent new feature which will drive trade and create more jobs.”
He added: “Getting the local school involved in the naming of this fantastic new facility at the port gives the local community the chance to make it their own.”
Andrew Harston, short sea ports director at ABP, said: “It is important for us to construct new facilities in a way that minimises their impact on the environment.
“That is why the new terminal is equipped with solar panels to provide a clean energy generating capacity of 371kw and the latest generation of energy efficient lighting systems within the facility itself.
“With this latest infrastructural development, the Port of Ipswich now boasts 1.5mw of installed solar capacity. The network which helps to powers the port estate, provides sustainable energy for ABP customers and reduces the port’s carbon footprint.”
Also among the guests at the opening ceremony was the Mayor of Ipswich, Roger Fern.
Nicola Simmonds, a teacher at Cliff Lane Primary School, said: “Being part of this naming competition has inspired many of the children from our school to find out more about the workings of the Port of Ipswich.
“The competition has encouraged pupils to think more deeply about the port and the wide variety of goods that are handled there. As a result the port is no longer a place of mystery for the children, but a place to visit and even aspire to work one day.”
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