Author: Lisa Gibbs

Harwich Haven Authority is pleased to announce the appointment of Ian Shipperley CBE as a Non-Executive Director. Ian brings a wealth of experience to the Board from a long career spent in the maritime, trust port and public sectors. Ian will be joining as a member of the Safety, Health, Environment and Security (SHES) Committee and will officially join the organisation on 1 April 2025.

On his appointment, Ian said,

“I am delighted to be joining Harwich Haven Authority as a Non-Executive Director. Born and raised in Essex, I’m excited to not only be giving back to my local community, but also sharing the knowledge and insights I’ve developed from my time in the Royal Navy and maritime sector with the team.”

Ian spent his formative years sailing the waters of the East Coast before joining the Royal Navy to pursue a career as a professional engineer. From disaster relief to combat operations, Ian spent much of the first half of his 39-year career deployed globally, both at sea and ashore.  In later years, he specialised in the procurement and support of the Navy’s ships and submarines leading to his final appointment as Commanding Officer of the largest naval base in Western Europe at Devonport, Plymouth.

Since leaving the Navy, Ian has followed a portfolio career as a Non-Executive Director, bringing his experience in risk management, port operations, infrastructure development, and governance to the trust and municipal ports sectors. He has recently completed a 6-year term as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Milford Haven Port Authority, the UK’s principal energy port, where he helped the port to diversify its revenue streams whilst maintaining a keen focus on core business. He sits as an independent member of Salcombe Harbour Board in Devon and takes a close interest in port management within sensitive wildlife habitats.

Commenting on the appointment, Debbie Francis OBE, Chair of the Board at Harwich Haven Authority, said,

“We are delighted to welcome Ian Shipperley to our Board. His significant experience in the maritime sector, particularly his prior appointments which had a focus on corporate governance, risk management and the trust port model, will be instrumental in navigating the way forward at Harwich Haven Authority.”

With a family base in Essex, Ian is looking forward to returning to his East Anglian roots and to joining the high performing team at Harwich Haven Authority.

Local charities and community groups in Suffolk have the chance to secure vital funding as the Harwich Haven Authority Fund, managed by the Suffolk Community Foundation, is now open for applications.

With grants of up to £5,000 available, the fund is designed to support projects that make a real difference to local people, including initiatives that boost skills in the maritime industry, protect the environment and promote good health and wellbeing.

Organisations and community groups operating within postcodes IP1 – IP15 are encouraged to apply before the 18 March 2025 deadline.

ESG Director, Melissa Wellings said: “As a trust port, Harwich Haven Authority is committed to reinvesting in our local communities and giving back for the benefit of local people and future generations. This fund helps charities and community organisations access much needed money which can create opportunities, develop skills, and improve the lives of people where we do business. No matter what size or sector your organisation is, we urge you to check out the details of the fund, which we are so proud to support, and get an application in before the deadline.”

In 2024, the Harwich Haven Authority fund gave donations to initiatives such as the Felixstowe Dementia Café, the Unity Schools Partnership ‘Happy Sheds’ project and the Woolverstone Project.

More details on the fund are available here.

Applications can be made online here: https://ukcommunityfoundation.my.salesforce-sites.com/forms/hha-fund

ENDS.

About Harwich Haven Authority

Established in 1863, Harwich Haven Authority is one of the UK’s largest trust ports providing navigational services and pilotage to the world’s largest and deepest vessels. The Authority operates 24/7, 365 days a year to help keep trade flowing. As the Statutory Harbour Authority, the organisation has jurisdiction that stretches over 150m², encompassing the estuary, the Rivers Orwell and Stour, with land and assets across both Essex and Suffolk.

The Haven trade gateway is critical to the local, regional, and UK-wide economy. Nearly 40% of all containerised goods entering the country arrives via the Haven. Core responsibilities include maintaining the depth of the approach channel and Harwich Harbour to ensure the ever-growing breed of large container vessels can access the UK’s largest and busiest operator, the Port of Felixstowe. Harwich Haven Authority also provide Pilotage to arriving vessels, maintain navigational buoys and manage a Vessel Traffic Services operations centre.

About Suffolk Community Foundation

Established in 2005, Suffolk Community Foundation is a registered charity and part of a national family of 47 community foundations across the UK. Suffolk Community Foundation works closely with key stakeholders to increase understanding of need and raise essential funds to support local charities and community groups. In partnership with Suffolk, the organisation seeks to rebuild local lives in a compassionate, respectful and sustainable way, acting as a philanthropic hub to channel funds directly to charities most in need.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Helen Rudd, Strategy & Partnerships Director

[email protected]

07496 767 270

Harwich Haven Authority’s marine apprenticeship programme has received a boost today with news that it has been awarded funding via the UK Chamber of Shipping.

The funding, totalling £18,000, comes from the Maritime Educational Foundation (MEF), a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting the shipping industry. It will be distributed in two phases: an initial £9,000 to support the training of three new Marine Apprentices, followed by an additional £9,000 upon the successful completion of their apprenticeship.

Gemma Mills, Talent Acquisition Advisor at Harwich Haven Authority, said

“At Harwich Haven Authority, we are passionate about nurturing talent and empowering the next generation of skilled professionals. This funding not only represents a fantastic opportunity for our apprentices but also underscores the importance of partnerships within the maritime sector. We look forward to seeing our newest apprentices grow into confident, capable members of the industry and take pride in supporting their journey.”

The awarded funds will be used to further enrich the already comprehensive apprenticeship programme, including covering the cost of additional training with apprenticeship provider SeaRegs, so apprentices are commercially endorsed to work in the marine industry when they complete their programme.

Pilot Launch Service Manager, Mark Avenell, commented

“This funding will enable us to provide our apprentices with the essential tools and resources needed to develop their skills and confidence in a real-world maritime environment. Investing in their training ensures they receive the best possible foundation for a successful career in the industry.

“Securing this funding further reinforces Harwich Haven Authority’s commitment to fostering talent and supporting the UK’s maritime workforce.”

Harwich Haven Authority currently has eight apprentices going through the programme, including three who joined in summer 2024.

As part of the Marine Apprenticeship at Harwich Haven Authority, recruits regularly visit other internal departments, such as Marine Engineering, and external organisations within the sector, for example Trinity House, Svitzer and Boskalis, which expands their knowledge of other roles and improves their networking abilities.

Managed by the Merchant Navy Training Board, MEF is committed to excellence in seafarer training, providing financial support to initiatives that enhance maritime education and skills development.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, which is held across the UK from the 10 – 14 February 2025, Harwich Haven Authority have produced a short film that showcases apprentices from their 2024 intake. The film is a celebration of the valuable contribution apprentices make throughout the Authority and features many of our operational departments.

Watch the final film below or online with closed captions here.

Harwich Haven Authority is pleased to announce the appointment of Paula Carter as a Non-Executive Director. Paula brings with her a wealth of experience spanning governance, strategic planning, and corporate leadership, which will significantly strengthen the Authority’s Board. 

On her appointment Paula said,

“I am thrilled to be joining Harwich Haven Authority as a Non-Executive Director. Trust ports play a crucial role in supporting the UK’s economy, and I look forward to contributing my experience to ensure the Authority continues to thrive and deliver for its customers and stakeholders.” 

With an impressive career of over 30 years in broadcasting, her previous roles include serving as Director of Planning and Board Secretary at Channel 4 and holding senior policy and management positions at the BBC and ITV. Paula served as a Non-Executive Director of the Port of London Authority (PLA) from 2018 to 2024, rising to Vice Chairman in her final year. Her tenure at the PLA underscores her familiarity with the operational and strategic challenges unique to trust ports, making her a valuable addition to Harwich Haven Authority.  

Commenting on the appointment, Debbie Francis OBE, Chair of the Board at Harwich Haven Authority, said,

“We are delighted to welcome Paula Carter to our Board. Her exceptional track record in corporate governance, strategic planning, and her deep understanding of the trust port model makes her a tremendous asset to Harwich Haven Authority. Her diverse experience will be instrumental in guiding us through the opportunities and challenges ahead.” 

Paula is also Chair of Ofcom’s Advisory Committee for England, a Member of the British Transport Police Authority, a magistrate on the South East London Bench, and is a member of the Lawn Tennis Association’s Disciplinary Panel. Paula’s appointment reinforces Harwich Haven Authority’s commitment to excellence in governance and its mission to deliver safe, efficient and sustainable services to the maritime community.