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News • July 22nd, 2026
|On July 22, 2026, Humber Freeport welcomed a delegation from the UK Government to discuss exciting developments that are set to shape the economic future of the Humber region. Chris Barton, the Director of Local and International Growth at the Department for Business and Trade, visited along with officials from both the Department for Business and Trade and the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government. The meeting took place at CATCH, a skills and training provider located in Stallingborough, near Grimsby.
Showcasing Key Projects
The event provided a platform for industry leaders to present projects that are crucial for industrial growth and regeneration in the Humber area. Humber Freeport, which was officially launched in July 2023, has already made significant strides in attracting investments valued at over £2 billion, which have created up to 700 skilled jobs. Richard Beason, the Head of Investment at Humber Freeport, opened the session by emphasising the Freeport's role as a catalyst for investment and growth.
During the meeting, representatives from various organisations, including Phillips 66, Uniper, Equinor, the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, and North East Lincolnshire Council, made presentations outlining their contributions to the region's development. The discussions focused on how these projects can support the Humber's ambitions for job creation and economic prosperity.
Equinor's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Project
One of the highlights of the presentations was an update from Equinor regarding its proposed Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) facility in Immingham. This ambitious project, known as Humber SAF, has received £3 million in backing from the Government through its Advanced Fuels Fund to assist with design and early development work. Once operational, Humber SAF is expected to produce over 120,000 tonnes of Sustainable Aviation Fuel annually, which could meet around 10% of the UK's forecasted demand by 2030.
Not only will this project contribute to reducing carbon emissions in the aviation industry, but it is also projected to safeguard and create nearly 120 permanent jobs, along with an additional 375 temporary positions. The choice of Immingham as the site for this facility is due to its established industrial infrastructure and strong transport connections, making it an ideal location for such an important development.
The Importance of Decision-Making
Richard Beason highlighted the critical need for swift decision-making from the Government to ensure that investments can proceed without unnecessary delays:
“Slow decision-making is hampering major investments which can both protect and create jobs, support British industry, develop skills and innovation, and create opportunities for our local communities.”
What are Freeports?
For those unfamiliar with the term, Freeports are designated areas within the UK where different economic regulations apply. They are designed to encourage investment by offering tax reliefs, customs benefits, and support for businesses. The Freeport model aims to achieve three main goals:
Establish national hubs for global trade and investment
Create hotbeds for innovation
Promote regeneration in local communities
The Humber Freeport plays a vital role in this strategy, serving as a gateway for trade and investment in the UK. It is home to some of the busiest ports in the country, including Hull, Goole, Immingham, and Grimsby, which together handle about 17% of the nation's trade. By stimulating investment and job creation, the Freeport is focused on key sectors such as manufacturing, food and agri-tech, renewable energy, and defence.
Future Prospects
The Humber Freeport recently unveiled its Investment Prospectus at the UKREiiF 2026 event in Leeds, outlining a £3 billion investment opportunity across its tax sites in Hull, Goole, and Immingham. This initiative has the potential to create up to 5,000 skilled jobs, further enhancing the region's economic landscape.
The visit from the Government delegation represents a significant step in fostering collaboration between industry and government, aiming to unlock the vast potential of the Humber region. As discussions continue, it is hoped that the commitment to rapid decision-making will lead to successful outcomes for the community and the economy.
For those interested in learning more about the Humber SAF project, further details can be found at www.humbersaf.com.
