30.09.2026 | Ports

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