The UK and Australia celebrated the free trade agreement between the two nations with a visit to the construction of an energy plant in Cheshire where the world’s largest capacity luffing tower crane is being utilised.
Australian deputy high commissioner to the UK and chief negotiator of the Australia-UK free trade agreement paid a visit to the Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant in Northwich at the invitation of Australian heavy lifting tower crane specialists Marr Contracting.
Marr Contracting, which provides innovative cranage solutions to complex construction projects across the world, expanded its international operations into the UK following the signing of the Australia-UK free trade agreement in 2021.
The Australia-UK free trade agreement was the first new trade agreement signed by the UK following its exit from the European Union and came into force on 31 May last year. It removes tariffs on over 99% of Australian goods exported to the UK and allows Australian contractors access to UK construction frameworks.
Marr Contracting developed the world’s largest capacity luffing tower crane, the Favelle Favco M2480D, two of which are on site at Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant and which are able to lift 330t.
Once complete, the Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant will have the capacity to process 600,000t of waste per year reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 190,912t when compared with the alternative of sending the same quantity of waste to landfill.
Bowes said: “The benefits of the high-quality Australia-UK free trade agreement are evident, with strong two-way trade and investment since entry into force one year ago.
“Marr Contracting’s cranage expertise is helping construct a sustainable energy from waste facility that will produce enough power for 125,000 UK homes. By reducing obstacles to trade and investment, and by creating new avenues to work and share knowledge and expertise across our two countries, the free trade agreement is supporting Australian businesses like Marr Contracting to maximise their opportunities in the UK.
“The UK is Australia’s second largest destination for overseas investment, and the UK is the second largest investor into Australia. Australian and UK businesses are making an important contribution to energy transition in both countries.”
Marr Contracting managing director Simon Marr said: “The free trade agreement has provided more opportunities for businesses in the UK and Australia to work together.
“We’ve already established strong relationships here since working on our first UK project, the Hinkley Point C tunnelling and marine project in 2017.
“Now with the FTA it’s easier for us to bid on other large-scale projects through access to UK construction frameworks.”
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