Keeping trade flowing into the UK, 24/7 & 365 

Ports & Logistics: Sarah West, Harwich Haven Authority

Harwich Haven Authority is responsible for safety of navigation across 150 square miles of water off the east coast of England – encompassing Harwich Harbour and the estuary of the River Stour.

As a major UK trust port, we are also accountable to our stakeholders, and 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 business.  

The Haven is a vital trade gateway that provides employment, both directly and indirectly, to thousands of people in both Suffolk and Essex and it 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 make sure that it all happens safely.  

Maintaining the depth

In 2023, we invested £130 million into a major channel deepening project to futureproof navigation into the Haven, ensuring the largest vessels in operation can continue to visit the ports, thereby protecting jobs and ensuring money remains in our region.  

Welcoming a ship which is 400 metres long, with a depth of 16 metres, is an everyday occurrence for us; it’s a strong USP which will attract business to our area and ensure we keep our place as a major trade gateway to the rest of the world.

Safety of navigation 

Every vessel of more than 50m in length entering the waters of the Haven, must do so with one of our experienced marine pilots on board. They use their expert knowledge of the area – knowledge that 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 pilot launches, to rendezvous with visiting vessels at a point almost 15 miles out to sea. In 2023 our pilotage team brought 3,384 vessels directly into the Haven. 

Air traffic control for the water  

Safe navigation throughout our waters is supported by our Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) – a team of skilled operatives who keep the Haven open for everyone 24/7, and 365 days of the year. 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. 

The Harwich Haven is a jewel in the crown of our area – a spot of natural beauty where industry, leisure, and nature co-exist thanks to our amazing team.