Jake Storey, CFO at Harwich Haven Authority, explains why the organisation has partnered with Boskalis Westminster to create a new venture.

The formation of Suffolk Dredging LLP marks an exciting new chapter for Harwich Haven Authority (HHA).

It goes beyond an investment in our maritime capabilities and demonstrates our commitment to retain the Haven’s crown as the home of Britain’s maritime trade.

The new business has been formed with our long-term partners Boskalis Westminster and has been awarded our five-year maintenance dredging contract, taking responsibility for maintaining the navigable depths required to support safe and efficient vessel movements throughout the Haven.

But why is dredging so important?

Put simply, the vessels calling at our partner ports are getting deeper. We regularly welcome the world’s largest ships, including those whose draughts have broken UK records.

Bringing those vessels safely into port is no easy feat, and with their sizes continuing to grow, it has never been more important for us to stay on top of industry trends and retain our competitive position as guardian of the UK’s deepest natural water approach channel.

But we’re also up against nature. Sediment moves over time, storms stir up the seabed, and mud moves and flows with the tide. That doesn’t just impact the big vessels, but anyone looking to navigate our waterways.

As proud custodians of the Haven, we take our responsibilities as a trust port and our role in the ongoing success, safety and development of the Haven incredibly seriously. Being able to welcome the world’s deepest vessels is what makes us such an attractive proposition for shipping lines.

That’s why it is vital we have access to an expert team like Suffolk Dredging LLP. Our local economy depends on it.

More than just a dredging contract

Alongside awarding Suffolk Dredging LLP our maintenance dredging contract, we’ve also granted it a license to use Tiamat, an innovative dredging system developed right here by our team at HHA.

The technology utilises the power of nature to significantly reduce harmful emissions during dredging by as much as 90%, thanks to its ability to be used on standard small workboats.

We hope it will set a new global standard for dredging, offering port authorities like us a cleaner, greener, cheaper and more efficient way to dredge.

So, with Suffolk Dredging LLP and Tiamat, it’s not just our Haven we are future-proofing, but hopefully the wider industry too.

That’s what makes this latest development so exciting. We look forward to continuing to welcome the world’s largest vessels as Suffolk Dredging LLP helps us fly the flag for British trade here in Essex and Suffolk.

Image shows, left to right: Jake Storey, CFO of HHA, and Paul de Jong, Managing Director of Boskalis Westminster

Image credit: HHA

Scottish exporters now have a new weekly container connection to Rotterdam following the reinstatement of BG Freight Line’s call at the Port of Greenock.

The service resumed on 19 September, offering a regular route into Rotterdam’s global shipping network. Peel Ports Group says it could be particularly valuable to independent whisky distillers and bottlers seeking greater certainty over export shipments.

Greenock’s bonded warehousing could offer an additional benefit to eligible whisky businesses, allowing bottled stock to be held with UK excise duty suspended until it is ready for its destination market. Peel Ports says this is subject to HMRC approval and the necessary operating and compliance arrangements.

Jamie Strain, Peel Ports Group’s new Clydeport Port Director, said: “This service gives exporters something very simple but critical, namely certainty. There will be a vessel at Greenock every week to take their goods, in full or part containers, to Rotterdam, from where they can connect with markets around the world.”

Peel Ports says the service could also reduce the need to transport export containers to ports elsewhere in the UK, cutting road miles and reducing additional handling.

The weekly calls will alternate between the 1,002 TEU vessels MV BG Emerald and MV BG Jade. Greenock handles around 100,000 TEU a year and has received £25 million in investment for two new ship-to-shore cranes.

Image credit: Peel Ports Group.

With a new leadership team in place, the Felixstowe Port Users’ Association is focused on the future. Porttalk speaks to Chair Ian Taylor about growing the Association, strengthening engagement, and ensuring the Felixstowe port community retains a strong collective voice.

The Felixstowe Port Users’ Association (FPUA) aims to expand its membership and build an even larger community of businesses connected to the UK’s largest container port.

For Chair Ian Taylor and the FPUA committee, the ambition is not simply to increase numbers. It is to ensure that the Association represents as broad a cross-section of the port and logistics community as possible, and to give that community a greater collective voice.

“Felixstowe has an exceptionally strong and diverse port community, and the FPUA has an important role in bringing that community together,” says Ian.

“Our goal is to grow membership and ensure the Association continues to represent the breadth of businesses operating in and around the port.

“The stronger our membership, the stronger our collective voice.”

Strength in numbers

For decades, the FPUA has brought together businesses across the supply chain, providing a forum for members to connect, share information, and discuss issues affecting those working in and around Felixstowe.

That role remains as relevant as ever.

A larger and more engaged membership means more businesses represented, more perspectives at the table, and greater opportunity for the FPUA to champion the interests of the wider port community.

The Association is therefore placing renewed emphasis on engaging with existing members while encouraging businesses that are not currently involved to take a fresh look at what membership offers.

Ian adds: “There is a wealth of knowledge and experience within our port community. We want the FPUA to be a place where businesses feel they can get involved, contribute, and build relationships with others across the industry.”

Bringing the port community together

Those relationships are central to the FPUA.

Alongside its representative role, the Association provides opportunities for people across the sector to meet away from the day-to-day pressures of business – strengthening existing relationships and creating new ones.

Two important dates are already on the FPUA calendar this autumn.

The FPUA Charity Golf Day returns this October, bringing together members and guests for a day of golf, networking and fundraising.

It will be followed by one of the biggest social events in the local logistics calendar, the FPUA Christmas Charity Ball on 4 December at The Hangar, Milsoms Kesgrave Hall.

Both events capture an important part of what the Association is about: bringing people together and maintaining the strong sense of community that has long characterised the region’s logistics sector.

Looking ahead

With a new leadership team, a renewed focus on membership and a busy programme ahead, the FPUA is keen to hear from businesses across the port and logistics community, whether they are long-standing members, have previously been involved, or are considering joining for the first time.

For Ian, the objective is simple: build on the Association’s foundations, encourage greater participation, and ensure the FPUA remains relevant to the businesses it represents.

“The FPUA is here to represent its members, and we want as many businesses as possible to be part of what comes next.”

Image credit: The Port of Felixstowe.

Harwich Haven Authority – responsible for managing the waterways into two of Britain’s busiest ports – has signed a deal with DHI Seaport to implement the technology across three phases.

It is hoped that the technology will help boost the port’s capacity as it looks to continue welcoming the world’s largest and deepest-draught vessels exceeding 17m.

The system is currently being built, with the first phase expected to go live before the end of this year. Louise Fennessy, Deputy Harbour Master (Pilotage) at HHA, said: “It is hugely exciting to introduce this world-leading technology to HHA.

“We continue to welcome the world’s deepest vessels to our ports thanks to initiatives like our 2023 Channel Deepening Project – helping the Haven stand out as the UK’s premier place for container trade. This is the latest step in continuing this progress. 

“This new system will help us more safely and accurately determine the UKC required to cater for these larger vessels, further minimising disruption and increasing reliability for our customers.

“We look forward to continuing our work with DHI Seaport as the implementation process progresses.” 

DHI Seaport is currently developing a detailed model of the Harwich harbour area and its approaches – which will also bring together live data on tides, swell and wind alongside the latest bathymetrics. 

The system will be integrated with HHA’s existing VTS Kongsberg system, enabling vessel data to be automatically transferred into NCOS ONLINE.

Training will be provided by DHI Seaport to HHA’s VTS duty officers and pilots throughout the first four-month period.

DHI Seaport representatives will also be on-site for about one week each month to provide support, answer questions, and assist with the implementation process.

Managing Director of DHI Seaport, Simon Brandi Mortensen, said: “Harwich Haven Authority is, in our view, already leading the way by adopting cutting-edge technology to improve their port operations. 

“DHI Seaport is deeply honoured to have been chosen as their trusted digital systems provider for dynamic UKC and optimised vessel traffic scheduling at the Port of Felixstowe.”  

Stage Two has been earmarked for Q1 2027 and will include a gradual, carefully managed transition from the current static 10% UKC requirement to a dynamic UKC requirement within the harbour area. 

Stage Three will see Ipswich integrated into the system, followed by a final integration stage across the remaining HHA ports.

Image shows from left: Louise Fennessy, Nick Thomas, Will Barker, Simon Brandi Mortensen, Busayo Afolabi and Prema Shree Bhautoo

Image credit: HHA

Harwich Haven Authority

Associated British Ports (ABP), Brett, and Tarmac have formed a coordinated logistics partnership – scaling up operations in Ipswich – to support Sizewell C. The partnership between the three organisations means they can offer Sizewell C a single, integrated tri modal supply chain for construction materials through the West Bank at ABP’s Port of Ipswich.

The collaboration between ABP, Brett, and Tarmac brings together proven marine capability, strong rail capacity and specialist materials expertise. This will provide a reliable and scalable logistics solution that meets Sizewell C’s target for at least 60 percent of construction materials to arrive by rail or sea.

The collaboration between ABP, Brett, and Tarmac brings together proven marine capability, strong rail capacity and specialist materials expertise. This will provide a reliable and scalable logistics solution that meets Sizewell C’s target of having at least 60 percent of construction materials arrive by rail or sea.

All three parties are well-established in the region, and their combined strengths create a credible, locally grounded solution for Sizewell C. ABP contributes operational control at the port, proven marine expertise, and the ability to manage vessel calls, discharge, and storage. The port’s West Bank provides a ready site for large-scale handling of aggregates and construction materials, as well as a tri-modal site close to Sizewell. Brett has a strong presence in Ipswich and is already supplying Sizewell C with Tarmac material, which is imported into Ipswich by rail. Tarmac contributes technical capability and high-grade material supply, with experience in large national infrastructure projects and rail operations. Tarmac’s supply to the nuclear industry is enhanced through its ISO 19443 certification, which provides additional controls to meet the quality requirements of nuclear projects.

Together, the three parties offer a regional platform built on local knowledge, proven operational capability and established supply routes.

Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, welcomed the partnership:

“The Port of Ipswich plays a central role in our local economy, and this partnership shows the strength of Ipswich and our wider region in supporting national infrastructure projects. Bringing ABP, Brett and Tarmac together gives Sizewell C a dependable logistics route built on proven local capability. It will support jobs and investment, and strengthen our supply chain, as we look to maximise the local benefits from this landmark project.”

Ashley Shorey Mills, Supply Chain Engagement Director at Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said:

“This partnership demonstrates how the expertise and relationships within the Sizewell C supply chain can help deliver both significant local economic and wider environmental benefits. It seamlessly blends together established businesses at a scale and certainty required for a project of this size. Using the Port of Ipswich and existing rail and marine routes strengthens resilience, supports delivery of the Sizewell C programme and helps to maximise the economic benefit of the project for Ipswich, Suffolk and the wider region.”

Helen Pluck, Chief Executive at Ipswich Borough Council, said:

“This partnership shows how Ipswich supports nationally significant infrastructure. We want to see Sizewell C leave a lasting legacy in Suffolk, and this partnership demonstrates the role Ipswich is ready to play in delivering it.”

Paul Ager, Divisional Port Manager at ABP, said:

“We believe this partnership gives Sizewell C a practical solution with strong marine and rail capacity at its core. Ipswich offers the scale, storage capacity, quayside strength to support large volumes, and the connectivity needed for reliable delivery. This is a solution that works with the local community and reduces pressure on local roads.”

Oliver Brown, Development Director at Brett, said:

“The Brett site in Ipswich has been operating since the 1980s, and this partnership builds on that local strength. Our site at the West Bank is already a key part of the region’s aggregate supply, and our ability to import aggregates by vessel and links to the rail network give us a strong base for supporting Sizewell C. This collaboration supports reliable delivery, efficient movement of material and lower impact on the environment.”

Will Pearson, Nuclear Commercial Director at Tarmac, said:

“Our focus is on ensuring consistency and certainty in supply as the project progresses. By combining our materials expertise with established rail capability, we can help maintain momentum on site while supporting more efficient, lower-impact delivery at scale.”

The partnership has been shaped to support programme resilience and technical certainty. It is designed to scale, with storage, handling and movement that can grow over time and adapt to programme needs.

Grounded in the local supply chain and supported by businesses already active in Suffolk, the partnership offers Sizewell C a dependable, operationally ready route for high-volume construction materials. The group looks forward to helping the Sizewell C team achieve the project objectives.

Image: Aerial view of the West Bank of ABP’s Port of Ipswich

A Suffolk technology company and Harwich Haven Authority have scooped a national AI award for Capella – a ‘digital-twin’ that helps simulate vessel operations in the Haven.

The team from Entopy, which is based in Newmarket, won the AI SME Business of the Year award jointly with the harbour authority and the University of Essex at the AI Summit London, the UK’s premier gathering for AI professionals and innovators.

The cutting-edge Capella system can simulate and predict ship movements in the Haven as they make their way to Felixstowe, helping the authority guide them safely and efficiently into port.

Toby Mills, CEO of Entopy, said: “We were delighted to receive the joint award win and for Capella to be recognised with this honour.

“The Port of Felixstowe and the operations in the Haven are crucial to UK PLC, and with 40% of all UK containerised trade coming into the port, the impacts on the economy are substantial.

“So to be part of an innovative project which digitalises operations to make them more effective and efficient is a privilege and we have enjoyed every step of the journey so far with Harwich Haven Authority.”

Every vessel movement across the Haven is resource-heavy – requiring link-up between multiple organisations and coordination of pilot availability, safe boarding conditions, tidal windows, and berth availability, all while complying with strict channel-passing rules.

The new technology will help reduce disruptions in the system, improve forecasting, automate situational awareness, and optimise efficiency.

Harbourmaster Will Barker said: “This innovative technology gives valuable insight into the movements of vessels in the haven, helping us to strengthen supply chain performance in and out of the Port of Felixstowe.

“Capella helps identify the optimal arrival time for each vessel and enables ‘just-in-time arrival’, avoiding costly delays and allowing vessels to optimise speeds, reduce fuel costs and emissions.

“The technology supports both planning and live operations, continuously flagging emerging issues to ensure everything runs smoothly.

“It’s a brilliant piece of technology, and we are so pleased the judges at the AI summit have recognised it.

“We would like to thank Entopy for their hard work and expertise in bringing this cutting-edge technology to fruition.”

The National AI Awards judges praised the project as: “A great example of AI being utilised beyond point solutions into a holistic approach to provide an intelligence engine to a complex operational activity.”

Image shows left to right: Harbourmaster Will Barker and Entopy CEO Toby Mills.

Photo Credit: Harwich Haven Authority