ABP, Brett and Tarmac Form Coordinated Logistics Partnership to Support Sizewell C

Published: 4 August 2026 — Associated British Ports

Associated British Ports (ABP), Brett, and Tarmac have established a coordinated logistics partnership, scaling up operations in Ipswich to support the Sizewell C nuclear project. The partnership will provide Sizewell C with a single, integrated tri-modal supply chain for construction materials, routed through the West Bank at ABP's Port of Ipswich.

Sizewell C, a planned 3.2 gigawatt nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast being developed by EDF, is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the UK and a central element of the government's strategy to expand low-carbon baseload generation as part of its net zero commitments. Its sister project, Hinkley Point C in Somerset, has already demonstrated the scale of logistics coordination required to build a new nuclear plant in Britain, with millions of tonnes of aggregates, concrete, and steel needed over a construction programme spanning more than a decade.

The collaboration combines proven marine capability, strong rail capacity, and specialist materials expertise to deliver a reliable and scalable logistics solution. It is designed to meet the project's target of having at least 60 percent of construction materials arrive by rail or sea.

All three parties are well-established in the region. ABP contributes operational control at the port, proven marine expertise, and the ability to manage vessel calls, discharge, and storage. The port's West Bank offers a ready site for large-scale handling of aggregates and construction materials, functioning as a tri-modal hub in close proximity to Sizewell.

Brett has a long-standing presence in Ipswich and is already supplying Sizewell C with Tarmac material imported into Ipswich by rail. Tarmac brings technical capability and high-grade material supply, with extensive experience in large national infrastructure projects and rail operations. Tarmac's supply to the nuclear industry is further strengthened by its ISO 19443 certification, which provides additional controls to meet the quality requirements of nuclear projects.

Together, the three partners offer a regional platform built on local knowledge, proven operational capability, and established supply routes.

Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, welcomed the partnership: "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."

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."

Helen Pluck, Chief Executive of 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."

Paul Ager, Divisional Port Manager at ABP, said: "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, said: "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 partnership has been designed to support programme resilience and technical certainty. It is built to scale, with storage, handling, and movement capacity that can grow over time and adapt to programme needs. Grounded in the local supply chain and supported by businesses already active in Suffolk, the partnership offers Sizewell C a dependable, operationally ready route for high-volume construction materials.

Source: Associated British Ports