A quarter of a million pounds has been invested into a coastal town as a port unveils its state-of-the-art future proof offices.

As Lowestoft in Suffolk continues to handles more international cargo and serve offshore energy and fishing industries, the new Associated British Ports' offices are expected to help grow the region's economy by as much as £360 million per year with their ports in King's Lynn and Ipswich.

During the opening ceremony of the new ABP offices, which was attended by local MP Peter Aldous, as well as ABP customers and colleagues at the port, guests were heard more about the vital role played by the port in supporting the local economy.

Andrew Harston, ABP Regional Director, Wales & Short Sea Ports, said: "Thanks to the hard work of our regional team, construction work on the new office building, which commenced in September 2019, ran smoothly and was completed on schedule.

"This means that our colleagues have access to a brand new and state-of-the art office, which will allow us to better serve the needs of the thriving energy sector in the region."

The new offices come as part of an overall investment of more than £2.2 million for the town's port in the last twelve months.

This figure includes £800,000 spent on a new pilot boat and facilities, and more than £1.4 million spent on other improvements including IT upgrades, better wi-fi, and new fencing and security measures.

Peter Aldous MP for Waveney, said: "It was a great pleasure to officially open ABP's new port office in Lowestoft.

"This represents a significant investment in the port, which has a key role to play in the local economy, bringing new jobs to the area to service the offshore wind industry, oil and gas decommissioning and a revitalised fishing industry.

"The port is also increasingly popular with leisure and sailing crafts, as well as being the home port of CEFAS Endeavour, which compliments well CEFAS' investment in their new office headquarters at Pakefield."

The Port of Lowestoft handles around 60,000 tonnes of cargo per year and more than 4,000 Crew Transfer Vessel calls in 2019.