Port plans major expansion

Port plans major expansion

The new port would handle four deep-sea vessels at once

Plans to make Harwich the second biggest container port in the UK have been unveiled.

Hutchison Ports has applied for planning permission to develop the terminal at Bathside Bay, including the building of a 1,400-metre-long quay.

If the plans are approved, the Essex port would be able to handle four deep-sea container vessels simultaneously.

Hutchison Ports said the development would also create 772 new jobs, plus many more in associated industries.

Managing director Richard Pearson said: "It is vital that, in order to remain competitive with the European ports, the UK creates additional new deep-water facilities to service the latest generation of large container vessels afloat today."

Boat harbour

The company has submitted three planning applications to Tendring District Council in relation to the proposals.

They also include plans to construct a small boat harbour and public amenity area, and a Listed Building Consent application for the partial removal of a jetty.

The company will shortly hold public exhibitions of the plans in Harwich, Dovercourt and Shotley in Suffolk.

The UK's largest container port is at Felixstowe, and is also run by Hutchison.

Expansion plans for the Suffolk port were unveiled in December.