Freeport East bosses seek government support for Bathside Bay port expansion plan

Freeport East sees investment in Bathside Bay at Harwich as a top priority for enabling the government to deliver on its ambitions for clean power and offshore wind. It held its latest board meeting – its first under the new government – this week at RWE’s Galloper offshore wind farm office in Harwich. Chief executive Steve Beel and executives from Hutchison Ports updated the board on talks aimed at securing government support for anticipated private sector investments in the port and associated facilities.

CGI of Bathside Bay Port of Harwich planned extension (Image: Freeport East) This would bring thousands of jobs and support the UK to remain internationally competitive in the offshore wind sector, they said. The board agreed on the need for support from the government alongside existing freeport status to ensure the project can move forward as quickly as possible.

It also discussed wider developments at Freeport East – including green hydrogen and clean fuel production projects involving RWE, Haltermann Carless, Rux Energy and Firefly Green Fuels. It was also updated on the progress of new facilities at Gateway 14 in Stowmarket for inward investments from Assan Panel and Bauder – both of which recently secured planning permission and will shortly move into the construction phase. It reviewed latest progress on applications under the GBP800k Freeport East Clean Growth Fund and Skills & Innovation Fund and gave the green light to move forward with allocations in the coming weeks.

Freeport East chairman Mark Lemmon said: “We know that the extensive capabilities of Bathside Bay will serve as an important catalyst in achieving the government’s goal of generating 55 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030, thanks to its unique port capacities. “As part of a wider ‘Clean Growth Zone’ at Freeport East that incorporates green hydrogen, cleaner aviation fuels and green manufacturing we are fully prepared to support the government’s Net Zero agenda.” Ivan Henderson, deputy leader of Tendring District Council and Freeport East board member, said: “Bathside Bay is the top priority for Freeport East and Tendring District Council and is ‘shovel-ready’ to act as the key enabler for revitalising the economic fortunes of Harwich and the wider area.

“We look forward to working with the new government to ensure the project best serves their national policy ambitions.” The port expansion plan was given the thumbs up by the Tendring District Council in May 2024. It includes 1.4km of new quay and will provide 120 hectares of storage and infrastructure for the offshore wind industry together with heavy-duty quay provision and deep water access.

It will be able to service multiple vessels at the same time and manufacturing, assembly and installation of offshore wind turbines can be achieved “at pace and at scale” at Bathside Bay, said Freeport East.