Foreword by the Managing Director

ABPmer delivered another year of sustained growth in 2008 in an increasingly competitve market.    We saw significant activity across all our markets including the commissioning on two long-term government projects relating to relatively new business sectors: marine planning and renewable energy.  Such appointments demonstrate the increasing recognition of our expertise in these areas.

Our specialist ports knowledge was applied in the completion of major environmental impact statements for both ABP and non-ABP ports in the Solent area; whilst our hydrographic survey and sampling capabilities have supported other port projects.  

Early on in the year, our proven experience in estuary morphology and habitat management saw us appointed to the consortium tasked with carrying out the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and related engineering studies for tidal-power generation in the Severn Estuary. 

Our authority in managed realignment realised the RSPB’s Wallasea habitat creation planning submission and we continued to be a major contributor in the development of flood and coastal defence strategies for the Severn and Thames regions as well as to shoreline management plans around the country. 

We enjoy an ongoing provision to the offshore wind energy sector undertaking work relating to coastal process studies, metocean survey and sediment analyses.

We also remain leaders in marine renewable good practice publishing the updated Atlas of Marine Renewable Energy for DECC, and providing guidance for both CIRIA and COWRIE relating to metocean data and numerical modelling. 

And, as a recognised authority in both marine spatial planning and marine protected areas, we were awarded a number of government research contracts including a major DEFRA contract to develop UK-wide digital mapping/spatial information layers to help identify Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in UK waters.

In the year ahead, we plan to retain our steady approach, generate solid performance and look for new opportunities.

Bill Cooper
Managing Director

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