Author: Lisa Gibbs

Harwich Haven Authority will be partially closing the historic Ha’penny Pier in Harwich to members of the public from 5 January 2026 to allow essential maintenance works to take place. 

The closure follows recent repair work, carried out by the Authority, which found additional deterioration of the pier substructure. The works will include replacing damaged timber beams and deck planks. The replacement timber, Douglas Fir, Ekki and Greenheart have all been sourced from certified, sustainable sources.  

The repairs, costing approximately £115,000, will be carried out by Amicus Civil Engineering Ltd and are due for completion by the end of March 2026. Members of the public will still be able to access the Harbour Foot Ferry, Deck 1853 and the Visitor Centre.  

Work will take place during the daytime and noise disruption will be kept to a minimum. 

Further information on the partial closure can be found in the proposal plan below.  

If you have any further questions, please email our Deputy Construction & Dredging Manager, James Ennos at [email protected]. 

 

Harwich Haven Authority (HHA) today announced that Chief Executive Officer Sarah West has left the Authority after three years of service, for a new role at Stena Line. Jake Storey, HHA’s Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect, and will remain in post until a new CEO is appointed.

During her tenure, Sarah West placed strong emphasis on collaboration, community and resilience. She regularly joined colleagues beyond day-to-day operations, including fundraising initiatives for local charities such as the EnduranceLife trail event and the Ipswich Dragon Boat Race. These moments reflected HHA’s culture as more than a workplace, but a community built on teamwork, camaraderie and a shared commitment to making a difference.

Sarah West said:

“I’d like to thank everyone at HHA and our stakeholders. It has been a privilege to work with such a supportive, committed and professional team. I am proud of what we have achieved together and leave with great respect for the people who make HHA what it is. While I am looking forward to joining Stena Line in the new year, I will always value my time at HHA and the relationships built along the way.”

Jake Storey, Interim CEO, said:

“On behalf of the Authority, I would like to thank Sarah for her leadership, commitment and the positive impact she has made at HHA. I am honoured to step into the role of Interim CEO and will work closely with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure continuity, stability and continued delivery for our customers while the process to appoint a permanent CEO is undertaken.”

 

Harwich Haven Authority (HHA) has begun an innovative project working with Suffolk Yacht Harbour, where dredged sediment from routine marina maintenance is being repurposed to help restore a rapidly eroding saltmarsh and enhance biodiversity along the River Orwell.

The Beneficial Use of Dredging (BUDs) programme has recently started at Levington, delivered on the ground by Amicus Civil Engineering and Suffolk Yacht Harbour, which will pump mud dredged from its moorings into the restoration area. The site, which is located along Levington Creek, has experienced steady erosion for decades. The carefully engineered placement of material, supported by the installation of coir bunds by Amicus Civil Engineering and funded by HHA, will help rebuild the saltmarsh platform, bolster natural flood defences, and create new habitat for a range of coastal wildlife.

The land is owned by Suffolk Yacht Harbour, with management of the adjacent nature reserve by Suffolk Wildlife Trust, which is strongly supportive of the scheme due to the ecological gains it is expected to deliver, particularly for overwintering waders such as redshank, dunlin, knot, black tailed godwit and golden plover.  Redshanks may even return to breed on the saltmarsh habitat in time if the habitat restoration enables some areas to remain above mean high water spring tides.

“This work at Levington is a great example of how we can turn essential dredging operations into tangible environmental benefit,” said Jim Warner, Construction & Dredging Manager at Harwich Haven Authority. “By partnering with Suffolk Yacht Harbour, Suffolk Wildlife Trust and Amicus, we’re able to reuse locally dredged sediment to rebuild valuable saltmarsh habitat that has been disappearing for decades. This nature-based approach not only strengthens the shoreline and improves flood resilience but also creates important new opportunities for wildlife to thrive — especially the seabirds that depend on these fragile ecosystems.”

Suffolk Yacht Harbour’s Jonathan Dyke said

 “We welcome the assistance of Harwich Haven Authority in providing additional infrastructure support to retain dredged silt over a wider area enabling the retention of more sediment which will accelerate the restoration of the saltmarsh.”

Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s South East Suffolk Sites Manager, Andrew Excell said

“Increases in the connectivity and height of the restored saltmarsh will have significant benefits for roosting wading bird and waterfowl species as they rest and recuperate energy in large flocks in relative safety during periods of high tide on the estuary. The estuary is internationally recognised for its importance in supporting many thousands of birds in winter months. Estuarine habitats like this in locations away from human disturbance are critical in helping survival of these species, especially in the colder winter months when they desperately need to conserve energy. Project works to help improve this type of dynamic habitat are much welcomed in such a strategically important wildlife-supporting location.”

The Levington works include the installation of coir bunds, controlled sediment placement and long-term habitat restoration. Monitoring of the site’s development will continue throughout 2025 and 2026, including assessments of sediment settlement, vegetation establishment and breeding habitat use by returning bird species.

In February 2026, another phase of the project will begin at Copperas Bay on the River Stour, in partnership with RSPB and Essex Wildlife Trust.

The BUDs project forms part of HHA’s wider commitment to pioneering sustainable dredging practices and delivering nature-positive outcomes across the Haven. By supporting saltmarsh recovery and promoting biodiversity, the Authority aims to demonstrate how operational port activities can coexist with – and actively enhance – the ecological health of the estuary.

 

Families flocked to Harwich’s Ha’penny Pier to celebrate its second-ever Christmas tree lights switch-on alongside a host of festive entertainment.

The event saw dozens attend for an evening of festive fun on Wednesday, December 10, organised by Harwich Haven Authority (HHA).

Entertainment included performances by children from the Harwich Sing Tendring Voices (HSTV) choir and a medley of sea shanties from the local Black Deep Shanty Singers. The LV18 red lightship also illuminated the harbour with its ‘big light’, timed to coincide with the Christmas tree light countdown.

Father Christmas himself also joined in the fun, alongside Mayor Pam Morrison and the town crier.

Helen Rudd, Strategy & Partnerships Director at HHA, said:

“The countdown to Christmas is now officially on after an amazing evening at the historic Ha’penny Pier.

“The performances were fabulous – and watching the lights switch-on really warmed our festive cockles.

“A big thanks also goes to the Harwich Society for sharing their space during the event, the LV18 for providing equipment and the team at Deck 1853 for supplying us all with some delicious mince pies and hot drinks!”

The event also raised money for HHA’s Charity of the Year, Home-Start Harwich.

More information on HHA’s fundraising efforts can be found at www.hha.co.uk.

 

 

The countdown to Christmas will officially start in Harwich soon, with the local community set to enjoy a raft of entertainment and free festive treats at a Christmas lights switch-on.

Celebrations will kickstart at Ha’penny Pier with an announcement from the town crier at 4.15pm on Wednesday 10 December, before Mayor of Harwich Pam Morrison makes her Christmas address.

Children from Harwich Sing choir will then take to the stage for a half-hour performance of Christmas carols before the countdown starts at 5pm for the Mayor to light this year’s tree.

The LV18 – a lightship docked at the pier which famously featured in The Boat that Rocked – will also illuminate to amp up the magic.

But the fun won’t stop there – with a band of sea shanty singers belting out carols set to top off the evening with a festive nod to the town’s rich maritime heritage.

Helen Rudd, Strategy & Partnerships Director at event organisers Harwich Haven Authority, said:

“We first had the idea to organise a Christmas lights switch-on at Ha’penny last year – and were overwhelmed by the community response.

“It was such a lovely evening and made for the perfect start to the Christmas season, so we’re delighted to be organising it once again.

“We can’t wait to bring the Harwich community together for what we’re sure will be a magical evening celebrating Christmas and raising funds for our charity of the year, Home-Start Harwich.

“We wish you a Merry Christmas at the Ha’penny Pier!”

Revellers can enjoy free mince pies and hot drinks from the Deck 1853 cafe on the pier until the event ends at 5.30pm, so get there early as it will be first come, first served!

Entry to the event is free – but donations to local charity Home-Start Harwich will be very welcomed on the night.

For more information on this year’s event, visit the Harwich Haven Authority social media pages or www.hha.co.uk.

Harwich Haven Authority (HHA) has been ramping up its efforts in Government engagement this month, with visits to the Haven from both the new Minister for Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, Keir Mather MP, and also the Department for Transport’s Maritime Director, Lola Fadani and her team.

Both visits have been delivered in collaboration with the Port of Felixstowe and have involved port-side tours as well as getting afloat to explore the harbour, Harwich International and Bathside Bay.

Helen Rudd, Strategy and Partnerships Director at HHA said,

“It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the effective working relationship we enjoy with the Port of Felixstowe and Harwich International Port, demonstrating how we connect as one team to make the Haven the UK’s number one trade gateway. 

Alongside the team from HPUK, we are working hard to lobby Government and influence national decisions to affect the things that really matter to Haven users.” 

Presentations to the delegates from the DfT covered investment opportunities, safety, grid connectivity, environmental impact, and future investment.

With the Minister, HHA also covered the many benefits of the trust port model, cable laying in the Sunk area, and the investment needed to both safeguard future maritime skills and road and rail connectivity in our region.

The visitors also got to see in person how HHA’s £130 million self-funded channel deepening project is already delivering real value to the area by enabling the world’s largest, deepest-draft vessels to call safely at the Port of Felixstowe and keeping UK trade flowing.

Helen added,

“At Harwich Haven Authority, we’re proud to be Leading with Expertise through our skills, knowledge and innovative approach to doing things the right way – and doing things well. We’re inspiring growth, driving continuous improvement, and making commercially sound decisions that benefit our teams, customers and stakeholders.” 

Harwich Haven Authority was proud to see three colleagues nominated at the East Anglian Maritime Awards (EAMA), celebrated this week across ceremonies in Suffolk and Essex.

Marine Apprentices Oscar Anderson and Jorden Gleave, along with Assistant Coxswain Hollie McGarry, were nominated for their positive contributions to the maritime community. Oscar was put forward by Dean Harris and Joe Henthorn from the Marine Engineering team, while Jorden was nominated by her UK Coastguard colleagues in recognition of her volunteering work. VTS Duty Officer Graham Meachen from the HHA team also nominated Hollie for the positive developments she’d made in her maritime career.

Although Oscar was unable to attend the Suffolk ceremony due to his apprentice training commitments in Plymouth, Dean and Joe were delighted to accept his certificate on his behalf. They were joined at the event by Deputy Harbour Master Louise Fennessy. At the Essex ceremony later in the week, both Hollie and Jorden were present to receive their certificates, supported by Sustainability Manager Linzi Jobber, who represented the Authority.

After attending the event, Jorden said:

“It was a fantastic evening celebrating the incredible range of talent in young people across the marine industry. The atmosphere was inspiring and it was great to connect with so many people who are passionate in shaping the future of the maritime world.”

The East Anglian Maritime Awards celebrate young people who make a meaningful contribution to the water environment. With broad and inclusive criteria, the scheme aims to recognise those who show commitment, community spirit and enthusiasm for maritime activity. The awards focus on improving life chances, increasing confidence, raising aspirations and strengthening local communities through voluntary and community participation.

Harwich Haven Authority has been proud to support the awards for the past two years and is delighted to see the achievements of Oscar, Jorden and Hollie recognised through this important regional initiative.

Harwich Haven Authority (HHA) is proud to feature in the Thames segment of the new four-part television series Sailing the Shipping Forecast, which aired on Monday 10 November at 9pm on More4.

Presented by the renowned Rev. Richard Coles – Church of England priest, writer, broadcaster and former musician – the series follows his voyage around the British Isles, exploring the estuaries, sea areas and coastal communities shaped by our maritime heritage.

In the upcoming Thames episode, viewers will gain a behind-the-scenes look at the vital operations that keep trade flowing through our waters. Senior Pilot Jonathan Johnson and Coxswain Matt Read will represent Harwich Haven Authority, showcasing the skill and precision required to guide some of the world’s largest vessels safely in and out of the Haven.

This national feature provides a valuable opportunity to highlight HHA’s role in enabling deep-water access for the world’s largest container ships visiting the Port of Felixstowe – the UK’s busiest container port. It also shines a spotlight on the expertise of our marine teams and the complex coordination that underpins safe and efficient pilotage operations every day.

By featuring in this programme, we celebrate not only our people and their professionalism, but also our contribution to the UK’s maritime economy and the proud heritage that continues to shape our region.

You can stream the episode on Channel 4’s playback service here to see Harwich Haven Authority in action. We encourage colleagues, partners and the wider maritime community to watch and share in this moment of recognition.