20.11.2024 | Ports

Porttalk was delighted to catch up with Sarah West, CEO of Harwich Haven Authority, to learn more about the crucial work her team does to keep trade flowing into the UK.

“As the CEO of Harwich Haven Authority, I often reflect on the vital role we play in the UK’s logistics chain and the impact we have on our local communities,” Sarah shared. “From ensuring the safe passage of the world’s largest ships to supporting thousands of jobs in Suffolk and Essex, our work is at the heart of the region’s economy.”

Sarah explains that Harwich Haven is more than just a trade gateway—it’s a place where commerce, nature, and community come together in harmony. “Every day, our team works tirelessly to maintain this balance, ensuring goods flow smoothly into the UK while safeguarding the environment and supporting local livelihoods.”

In this article, Sarah provides an insightful look at the Authority’s operations, their recent channel-deepening project, and the expertise of their pilotage team—showcasing how Harwich Haven Authority ensures trade moves seamlessly, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Haven is a vital trade gateway that directly and indirectly employs thousands of people in Suffolk and Essex and contributes to the local, regional, and wider UK economy. It is estimated that approximately 40% of all goods arriving by container enter the UK via the Haven. And it’s our job to ensure that it all happens safely.

With five port operators within our area of operation, including the UK’s largest container terminal at Felixstowe, we are a key player in the UK’s logistics chain.  

As a major UK trust port, we are also accountable to our stakeholders; any surplus profit we make is reinvested back into our local area for the good of the people and the environment in which we do our business.

As a Statutory Harbour Authority, Harwich Haven Authority is responsible for the safety of navigation for 150 square miles of waters off the east coast of England – encompassing Harwich Harbour and the estuary of the River Stour.

Why it’s important to maintain the depth of the navigation channel  

In 2023, we invested £130 million into a major channel-deepening project to futureproof the navigation channel into the Haven, ensuring the largest vessels in operation can continue to visit the Haven Ports. 

Our decision to go deeper and our investment in completing the project will futureproof both Haven port operations, protect jobs, and, most importantly, ensure money remains in our region.

Welcoming a ship 400 metres long and 16 metres deep is an everyday occurrence for us. It’s a strong USP that will continue to attract business to our region and ensure we keep our place as a major trade gateway to the rest of the world. 

Safety of Navigation 

Every vessel more than 50 m in length that enters the waters of the Haven must do so with one of our experienced Marine Pilots aboard. They use their expert knowledge of the area, which visiting ships’ captains will not possess, to navigate through the channel and safely bring vessels to their berths.  
 
Our Pilotage service, which consists of 26 highly skilled Marine Pilots, is supported by a team of experienced Coxswains and crew members who transport them aboard a fleet of powerful Pilot Launches to rendezvous with visiting vessels that anchor at a point almost 15 miles out to sea to await the Pilot’s arrival. In 2023, our Pilotage team brought 3,384 vessels directly into the Haven.

Air traffic control but for the water 

Our Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), a team of skilled operatives who keep the Haven open for everyone 24/7, 265 days of the year, supports safe navigation throughout our waters. Whether you are helming the largest container vessel in the world, sailing your yacht, or earning your living from the sea, VTS ensures you can do this safely, co-ordinating movements from our operations centre in Harwich.

Harwich Haven is a jewel in our area’s crown—a spot of natural beauty where industry, leisure, and nature coexist, thanks to the amazing team at Harwich Haven Authority.