Annual Public Meeting 2023, Monday 17 July 2023 – 6pm

Join us on Monday 17 July at 6pm for our Annual Public Meeting at The Waterfront, Dovercourt, Essex.

We’ll be looking back over 2022, presenting our new Environment, Social and Governance Strategy and taking a closer – and interactive – look at the role of #Harwich #pilots

You’ll also have the opportunity meet our CEO, Sarah West and members of her senior leadership team.

With sustainability in mind… we’ll be serving food and refreshments from our #carbonmenu

If you can’t join us in person, the meeting is available via Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82608189766. The meeting will start online at 6.15pm

Take a look at our 2022 Annual Report and Financial Statements https://hha.co.uk/…/Annual-Report-and-Financial…

#trustport #annualpublicmeeting #harwich #essex #ukports #harbour

 

 

Harwich Haven Authority Maintenance Dredging Framework December 2023-December 2024 now open to Tender

Harwich Haven Authority is establishing a framework contract, which will run for one year – December 2023 to December 2024 (inclusive) – for maintenance dredging.

All documentation related to the Maintenance Dredging Tender are available to view here.

New Marine Director (Harbour Master) appointed by Harwich Haven Authority

Harwich Haven Authority is pleased to announce that William Barker has been appointed as Marine Director (Harbour Master) of Harwich Haven Authority with effect from 3 April 2023.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, he will take up the statutory duties and responsibilities of the Harwich Haven Authority Harbour Master with immediate effect. In addition to leading on the Authority’s marine operations activities, he will be a key member of the Authority’s senior leadership team.

As an experienced maritime professional, Will has more than twenty years’ operational experience working within statutory harbour authorities, safety of navigation, pilotage, dredging, hydrography and construction project management.

Will joins the Authority from the Peel Port Group where he managed the Mersey Marine Team. He previously worked on the Hinkley Point C project to establish a new harbour authority and facilitated the construction and operation of a 500-metre aggregate import jetty. He has also held roles at Shoreham Port, Littlehampton and Chichester Harbour.

Will Barker, Marine Director (Harbour Master) commented: “I’m delighted to be joining one of UK’s largest trust ports, which is responsible for safety of navigation in one of Europe’s busiest trade gateways.

“In addition to almost five thousand commercial vessels movements in the Haven each year, the Harbour and Rivers Stour and Orwell attract in excess of 10,000 leisure vessels to the area during the season.

“I join the Authority at a busy time as they look to deliver some very exciting initiatives, which include the completion of the £130 million Harbour Improvement project and the implementation of a new Vessel Traffic Services and Port Management Information System.

“On a personal note… I’m looking forward to getting out on the water to explore the Haven and the surrounding area.”

Sarah West, Chief Executive added: “Will brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role and everyone at the Authority extends a warm welcome to him.”

 

For further information contact: Fiona Brunning, Corporate Affairs Manager, Harwich Haven Authority – 01255 252310/07425 63209 Email: [email protected]

Harwich Haven Authority establishes Haven Dredging Ltd to launch innovative new dredging technology, Tiamat

Following robust development and trials, Harwich Haven Authority is delighted to bring Tiamat, a new and innovative agitation dredging solution to the market. The commercialisation of this leading industry technology will be through a newly incorporated, and wholly owned subsidiary of the Authority, Haven Dredging Ltd.

Tiamat’s technology offers lower maintenance dredging costs and is a cleaner process compared to traditional methods. The technology is adaptable and easy to deploy, meaning it will be suitable for port authorities and harbour engineers around the world.

As a unit, Tiamat can be towed by a relatively small work vessel and consists of a frame carrying two pumps. One pump is used to inject water into the sediment overlying the bed of the harbour, whilst the second pump extracts the diluted silt and pumps it up a flume, from where it is released into the water column. The silt can be relocated either within the estuarine system on a flood tide or washed out of the harbour on an ebb tide through the natural tidal currents.

Tiamat has now been integrated into the Authority’s own dredging programme, in parallel with ongoing research and development. Trials of the machine to date, including independent environmental impact assessments conducted by leading experts in dredging practices, Royal Haskoning and HR Wallingford, and further independent reviews by the Environmental Agency and Natural England. Following each trial and subsequent discussion of the results and impressions of the vessel’s crew, improvements have been made to the machine and to working practice. This vast expanse of knowledge building has allowed for a complete redesign of the Authority’s dredging strategy, which addresses the challenges of economics, ecology, climate change and coastal resilience – and moves to a more nature-based dredging approach: “Dredging with Nature”.

Tiamat will change the world of dredging by providing the following economic, social and environmental benefits:

Sustainable maintenance dredging – Sediment dredged from the seabed or riverbed using a non-invasive method. Tiamat promotes self-replenishment in the estuarian system through the natural re-suspension of sediment at the appropriate height in the water column.
Reduces GHGs emissions – By using the power of nature and eliminating the need for disposal of sediment at sea or onshore, Tiamat can significantly reduce GHGs. Trials in Harwich have shown a 65% reduction.
Reduces the cost of dredging by 40% – A bespoke vessel is not required to complete the work and Tiamat can be adapted to work in conditions traditional methods would be too costly or inaccessible. Tiamat can reduce dredging costs by up to 40%, by needing only the work boat and harnessing the energy of the tide.
Saves valuable time – By not needing to travel to a disposal site multiple times a day, valuable time is saved, as well as reduced fuel costs and emissions.

Chief Executive Officer and Executive Board Director at Harwich Haven Authority, Sarah West, comments, “We are excited to be launching Tiamat after decades of research and field testing that has been put into creating a more efficient method of maintenance dredging. We are committed to working with nature, for nature. We are confident Tiamat will deliver a more sustainable and much more effective method of dredging for port authorities and dredging companies across the globe.”

Chief Finance Officer at Harwich Haven Authority and Executive Director of Haven Dredging Ltd, Jake Storey, adds, “In the long term, Tiamat aims to not only build awareness around environmental issues from traditional dredging methods in the port and dredging community, but also to provide businesses with the opportunity to choose a responsible, sustainable, and economical method of dredging. With the race on to achieve net zero by 2050, incorporating Tiamat into dredging programmes helps support businesses’ carbon reduction programmes.”

For more information on Tiamat and ‘Dredging with Nature’, please watch this video: https://vimeo.com/657375426/d2d4c7464f
For more information about Haven Dredging Ltd, visit: www.havendredging.com

Notes to editors:
For further enquiries about Harwich Haven Authority, please contact Fiona Brunning via [email protected].
For further press information about Haven Dredging Ltd, please contact Jack Loomie, Liberty Ash and Beki Sharman via [email protected]

About Harwich Haven Authority
Harwich Haven Authority (the Authority) was created as a Trust Port by the UK Parliament in 1863 to safeguard the best natural haven on the east coast of England and has been dredging the Haven for more than 100 years.

The Authority developed Tiamat to reduce the environmental impact of maintenance dredging whilst reducing the cost.

The Authority has been so impressed by the result of Tiamat that it has set up Haven Dredging Ltd be able to provide Tiamat to other ports, harbours, and dredging companies. As such, Harwich Haven Authority is the major shareholder of Haven Dredging Ltd.

About Haven Dredging Ltd
Haven Dredging Ltd provides an innovative solution to ports or harbours seeking new ways to manage sediment that enables more sustainable delivery of economic, social and environmental benefits.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Harwich Haven Authority, Haven Dredging Ltd is using the experience and expertise that the Authority has developed to be able to provide environmentally friendly, sustainable and cost-effective dredging solutions.

Harwich Haven Authority selects Kongsberg Norcontrol for industry leading VTS system

Harwich Haven Authority is pleased to announce the award of a contract to Kongsberg Norcontrol Ltd for the supply, commissioning and support of a Vessel Traffic Services system and a Port Management Information System. The Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) system is based on Kongsberg Norcontrol’s 7th generation VTS system that is in service with ports around the world, and in combination with their fully integrated Port Management Information System (PMIS) this will ensure vessels visiting the Haven are managed both efficiently and safely.

Harwich Haven Authority (HHA) is one of the UK’s major Trust Ports and its jurisdiction covers the River Stour, the lower part of the River Orwell, Harwich Harbour and 12 nautical miles of seaward approaches. The Haven Ports handle a wide variety of vessels from the largest container vessels in operation to the smallest leisure vessels.

“The Authority is very focused on meeting our customers’ requirements, not only current VTS and PMIS requirements, but also has an ambitious and innovative vision for future requirements such as e-navigation and autonomous shipping; Kongsberg Norcontrol shares that vision and ambition and has the required capability and potential for growth,” says Sarah West, Chief Executive Officer, Harwich Haven Authority (pictured).

Steve Guest, Managing Director, Kongsberg Norcontrol Ltd commented: “Robust tracking of such a diverse mix and size of ship types within the Haven is fundamental to any VTS system and requires smart tracking and sensor fusion algorithms using all available tracking sensors, especially radar. Our 7th generation C-Scope VTS system excels in this respect and ensures that VTS operators are provided the right information, at the right time for informed decision making. The decision support tools provided are highly configurable and ensures only meaningful alerts are provided.”

Nick Lambert, Head of Business Systems, Harwich Haven Authority identified compliance to the Network & Information Systems (NIS) Regulations as a critical success factor for the project. Nick explained “as an Operator of Essential Services (OES) we must demonstrate ongoing compliance with NIS. Kongsberg Norcontrol clearly demonstrated their knowledge, experience, and competence in this area.”

“What we saw during the contracting process was an intelligent and configurable Port Management Information System, that would support development of a purpose-built pilot and pilot launch planning tool. This was backed up with a solid understanding of the requirement and a willingness to partner on delivering a solution.”

Fiona receives royal recognition for her work on the Platinum Jubilee

Harwich Haven Authority’s corporate affairs manager, Fiona Brunning, was recognised for her work associated with the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with an invitation to meet King Charles III and other members of the Royal Family at a reception held at Windsor Castle last week.

Working with the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst and the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, the Countess Euston, the Authority facilitated a unique parade of more than 100 boats that sailed through Harwich Harbour in June to showcase and celebrate the maritime history of the Essex and Suffolk coast. The flotilla featured boats of all kinds and a variety of vessels from the Royal Navy, Trinity House in Harwich, Harwich Haven Authority, Essex Marine Police and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which came from Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.

“I thoroughly enjoyed working with the Lord Lieutenants and their teams to stage the event in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee,” says Fiona.

“Organising an event of this scale wasn’t without its challenges, especially as it took place in one of the UK’s busiest trade gateways. But it was a huge success and attracted thousands of visitors on both sides of the Haven.

“Being recognised for my work and receiving an invitation to meet the King was a bit of a shock… but a huge honour.

“I was extremely nervous ahead of the event but everyone, from the Police to the staff at Windsor Castle, made the evening very special for the 300 invited guests. I did have the opportunity to meet the King… and I also cheekily invited him to visit Harwich soon!  It was a truly memorable experience and one I will not forget”

Rear Admiral Roy Clare, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, commented: “The leadership and safety provided by Harwich Haven Authority ensured that the Parade of Boats was a successful highlight of the Festival of the Sea.

“As one of the volunteer organisers, I warmly acknowledge the pivotal role played by Fiona Brunning and other professionals at Harwich Haven Authority, without whose know-how and cheerfully enthusiastic support the event could not have been staged at all.”


Image above: Fiona Brunning, corporate affairs manager, attended a Royal reception at Windsor Castle.
Image banner: Jo Marhsall

Harwich Haven Authority hosts its first Port Open Day

Harwich Haven Authority delighted students from the Harwich and Dovercourt School with a unique behind the scenes tour of its operations on Friday 14 October.

The students, aged between 13-15 years-old, had the opportunity to learn more about the role of the Harbour Authority and explore career opportunities both within Harwich Haven Authority and the wider ports sector.

Celebrating the UK-wide Maritime UK Week, the initiative was focused on operational roles within Vessel Traffic Services, Marine Pilotage, Marine Support, Marine Engineering and Pilot Launch Services.

“As a local employer we were delighted to throw open our doors and welcome students from the Harwich and Dovercourt School,” says Neil Glendinning, CEO, Harwich Haven Authority.

“Many of our employees live in the area and we’re always keen to recruit from within the local community if we can. Our Open Day, we believe, provided the students with a good insight into both the role of the Harbour Authority and gave them a flavour of the types of career opportunities we offer.

“It was a thoroughly enjoyable day, the students behaved impeccably, and I very much hope that the visit might have inspired some of students to consider a career in the ports or wider maritime industry.”

“This was a great chance for our pupils and they thoroughly enjoyed the visit,” said Simon Garnham, Senior Assistant Head at the Harwich and Dovercourt High School.

“Different students spoke of different highlights.  Everyone loved going on the water and getting close to the enormous container vessels.  Many spoke of their excitement at being in the Vessel Traffic Services control room.  Learning about all the highly skilled engineering requirements (and having the chance to inflate a lifejacket) was great.

“It was especially good to remind students of the wide range of maritime opportunities on our doorstep and to strengthen the school’s relationship with Harwich Haven Authority.

 

Harwich Haven Authority organise port open day to celebrate MaritimeUK week.

To celebrate Maritime UK Week (10-16 October), we have invited students attending the Harwich and Dovercourt High School, teachers, community leaders and local Councillors along to tour our operations.

As a local employer we are keen that young people living in our local community have an insight into future careers in the Port Sector. We have a packed programme for the day that includes a live oil spill exercise, touring our Vessel Traffic Services centre and the opportunity to see the Harbour aboard one of our Pilot Launch vessels.

Attendance is by invite only.