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

DP World has welcomed two of Europe’s largest quay cranes to Southampton in its latest investment to ensure this major container terminal can meet growing demand from UK trade.

The quay cranes, weighing more than 2,000 tonnes each and standing nearly 150 metres high – more than 50 metres taller than Big Ben – arrived fully constructed by sea and will be offloaded directly onto the Southampton container terminal quayside early next week.

This is the first of two pairs of quay cranes set to arrive in Southampton in 2026, with a second pair due later this year, bringing the total number of cranes servicing the port to 16.

The new cranes will boost handling capacity and volumes at DP World Southampton. They can service the largest container ships currently in operation, including 24,000 TEU megaships, as well as future larger vessels not yet built.

Capable of consecutive ‘tandem lifts’ of two 40ft containers at once, the new quay cranes will support increased efficiency and productivity, improved reliability for customers, and help futureproof operations at the terminal. The investment is also expected to support faster vessel turnaround times and enhance Southampton’s ability to accommodate growing trade volumes.

Kris Adams, DP World CEO UK Ports & Terminals, said: “Trade powers the UK’s growth and prosperity, and today’s arrival of two fantastic new quay cranes is a landmark moment for Southampton and for our long-standing operation in this vital port. DP World’s investment is equipping our terminal here in this major trading city for the future, ensuring we can handle the next generation of large container vessels, boosting our capacity and efficiency. Upgraded infrastructure at Southampton will allow us to serve customers across the UK better and strengthen our terminal’s contribution to the national economy.”

Satvir Kaur MP, Member of Parliament for Southampton Test, said: “Southampton has a proud maritime history, and our port continues to play a vital role in supporting local jobs, trade and economic growth across the city and beyond. This significant investment by DP World demonstrates confidence in the port’s future and will help strengthen Southampton’s position as one of the UK’s most important trading gateways.”

Southampton is the UK’s third-largest container port, and the investment forms a central part of DP World’s long-term strategy to enhance operational capability and strengthen its role as a key gateway for UK trade. With strong connections to Asia, the Middle East and the Americas, the terminal plays a critical role in connecting Britain to international shipping and trade.

In 2025, DP World Southampton handled more than 2 million TEU, one of the highest annual throughput figures in the terminal’s history. This contributed to DP World’s UK container total of more than 5 million TEU in a national market handling over 9 million TEU.

The widespread positive impacts of one of Britain’s major ports have been celebrated in a first-of-its-kind report.

Harwich Haven Authority (HHA) has released its first-ever Impact Report, delving into how it supported its local communities in 2025.

That includes a full breakdown of how it generated a record-breaking £6.7m in social value, alongside the more than £190,000 it donated to good causes via two regional community foundation funds.
Helen Rudd, Strategy and Partnerships Director at HHA, said: “This inaugural report celebrates the positive impact we delivered for our local communities in 2025 and reflects our commitment to creating long-term and lasting social, environmental and economic value.

“It demonstrates how our commitment extends beyond safe and efficient port operations to making a meaningful difference for the region we serve.

“As a trust port, we reinvest every surplus we generate back into the communities we serve, supporting initiatives that strengthen local resilience, opportunity and wellbeing for the people that live and work here.”

In total, HHA donated £88,110 to Essex Community Foundation last year, alongside £104,083 to Suffolk Community Foundation. It also contributed £5,000 to the Port of Felixstowe Community Fund.

The organisation and its staff also volunteered their time to help local good causes, including beach cleans with Essex Wildlife Trust and seafront motif painting with Community Voluntary Services Tendring.

Further community contributions were made through the popular Coastal Discoveries beach school sessions in partnership with Boskalis Westminster and the life-saving Swim Safe Harwich programme.

A combined 143 hours of community project volunteering were provided in 2025, alongside 520 hours of expert time for the community.

Environmental support was also provided through its Marine Biosecurity Plan and Beneficial Use of Dredged Sediment (BUDS) project at Levington Creek.

Significant reductions in carbon emissions were also recorded as HHA pushes towards its 2035 net-zero goal.

Helen added: “We are thrilled with the results highlighted in the report, with great progress made in how we ensure the benefits of our operations are felt by all those living and working around the Haven.

“We look forward to building on those successes and sharing even more great news in our report for 2026.”
The Impact Report can be read in full here.

Image: Harwich Haven, credit HHA.