• ABP invests in two new vacuum lifting attachments at the Port of King’s Lynn
• Equipment supplied by B&B Attachments to improve safety in pipe handling operations
• New technology reduces manual handling risks and increases load stability
• First operation completed with import of water pipes for UK infrastructure upgrades
• Investment strengthens efficiency and vessel turnaround at a key East Coast port
• Port of King’s Lynn supports national infrastructure and regional supply chains

Associated British Ports, the UK’s largest ports operator, has invested £150,000 in two new vacuum lifting attachments at the Port of King’s Lynn. The new equipment is improving both safety and efficiency in cargo handling operations.

Supplied by B&B Attachments, the vacuum lifting attachments have been designed specifically for lifting large pipes. They reduce the need for manual handling and improve load stability during lifting operations. This lowers risk for operational teams and supports safer working practices across the port.

The equipment is already in use, with ABP having completed its first operation using the new attachments on Saturday 13 June 2026 with the import of water pipes through King’s Lynn. These pipes will support upgrades to national infrastructure, reinforcing the port’s role in handling critical cargo for the UK.

The new lifting attachments also increase operational efficiency. They allow faster loading and unloading of pipe cargoes and improve precision when placing loads. This reduces turnaround times for vessels and strengthens the port’s capability to handle specialist cargo.

Paul Ager, Divisional Port Manager at ABP said: “Safey underpins everything we do at ABP and it is central to how we invest and operate our ports. This investment reflects our focus on targeted investment in specialist equipment across ABP, and here at the Port of King’s Lynn. These new vacuum lifting attachments improve how we handle pipe cargo, reducing risk for our teams while increasing efficiency on the quayside. It is a clear example of how we are strengthening our operations to support customers and enable the safe handling of critical infrastructure materials.”

Steve Egginton, Key Account Manager at B&B Attachments said: “We are pleased to have worked with ABP to deliver these specialist vacuum lifting attachments for the Port of King’s Lynn. The vacuum lifting attachments use advanced suction technology to securely grip the pipe surfaces, allowing operators to lift and position the loads with greater control while reducing the need for personnel to work in close proximity to suspended loads. It is great to see them already in use on a project which contributes to essential UK infrastructure.”

The Port of King’s Lynn plays a key role in regional and national supply chains. Investments like this ensure the port continues to meet customer demand while maintaining high safety standards.

ABP continues to invest in specialist handling equipment across its port estate to support safe and efficient operations. This includes bespoke solutions tailored to specific cargo types, such as magnets used for steel handling at the Port of Newport, the UK’s leading steel-handling port. These investments ensure each port is equipped to manage complex cargo safely while meeting customers’ needs.