Stimulating economic growth in the UK’s Energy Estuary
Offshore wind energy in the UK is poised to grow rapidly over the next decade, with ambitions to deploy 40GW of clean electricity by 2030 as part the ‘ten point plan’ for a green industrial revolution.
The Humber is perfectly positioned to create a low carbon roadmap for the rest of the UK and Europe. With significant investment in decarbonisation projects spanning hydrogen energy, carbon capture, storage and usage and solar power, the Humber proudly carries the title of the UK’s ‘Energy Estuary.’
Freeport status will enable the Humber to maximise opportunities which arise from the net zero transition, creating highly-skilled jobs and driving investment both regionally and across the UK.
The Humber also has significant strengths, capabilities and assets across a broad spectrum of chemicals manufacturing and processing.
The region has a strong advanced manufacturing base as well as an extensive logistics sector, providing opportunities for the supply chain and distribution.

• Green Energy Jobs
• Decarbonisation
• Exports
• Customs Zone
• Rail industry supply chain
• Innovation centre
• Customs Zones
• Green Energy jobs at Able Marine Energy Park
• Customs Zone at Immingham
• Expansion of South Humber Industrial Investment Park
Humber Freeport has launched three development strands to focus investment and growth opportunities.
Decarbonisation
The Humber is the pre-eminent cluster for energy in Northwest Europe. Our decarbonisation sub-group will maximise opportunities across the UK’s Energy Estuary, supporting clean growth and attracting further investment in low carbon energy and technology
Skills
Freeport status aims to generate over 7,000 mostly skilled jobs, not only in green energy, but in sectors ranging from logistics and chemicals to advanced manufacturing. Our skills sub-group will ensure our region has the right people, with the right expertise, to drive economic growth
Innovation
Freeport status will create a hotbed for new, emerging technologies, driving transformational change. Our innovation sub-group will support businesses with R&D, technology advice and knowledge transfer, with a focus on clusters including clean energy, advanced manufacturing and logistics
Benefits of Freeport Status
- Stamp Duty Land Tax relief
- Business Rate Relief for five years
- Enhanced capital allowances for investment in machinery, structures and buildings
- Employer National Insurance contributions relief
- Supportive local planning environments with public-private partnerships
Connectivity
- M62 connection to Leeds (60 miles), Manchester (100 miles) and Liverpool (130 miles)
- Access to York in 60 minutes via A1079
- Easy access to M1 corridor, with connections to Birmingham, Newcastle and London
- Humber Bridge easily connects the north and south banks of the Humber.
- Daily ferry crossing to Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
- Global trade and shipping opportunities through the Humber ports
- Direct rail link to cities including London, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and York.
- Hull to London, via Hull Trains, accessible in 150 minutes.
- Freight services to all of the UK from Hull and the Humber ports.
- Humberside Airport has flights to several UK and European destinations including daily flights to Schiphol for connections to the rest of the world.