Harwich Haven Authority (HHA) has published its annual report for 2025 – a year in which the port welcomed a significant increase in vessels and container tonnage.
In total, it welcomed 3,813 arrivals – up from 3,664 in 2024 – with tonnage increasing from 173.5million to 184.9million.
The organisation also built new partnerships with major shipping lines ONE and Yang Ming, alongside increased calls from existing customers Evergreen and MSC.
Dr Jo North, CEO of HHA, said:
"Since joining Harwich Haven Authority earlier this month I have been astounded by the professionalism of our team, the service they provide and the results they continue to deliver. The findings of this report only further that feeling of pride.
“With what looked to be a difficult year with the loss of the Gemini Corporation to another port in spring 2025, the incredible response of our team and partners has seen us more than offset the anticipated loss.
“It is clear to me that the team stuck to our values and reaffirmed our commitment to delivering first-class service for our customers – not only making safety the standard, but connecting as a team and leading with expertise.
“Our engagement and sustainability successes reflects our commitment to creating long-term and lasting social, environmental and economic value. It demonstrates how our commitment extends beyond safe and efficient port operations to making a meaningful difference for the region we operate.
"My thanks go to everyone in the team and my predecessors in Jake Storey (interim CEO) and Sarah West (CEO) for their incredible work throughout 2025."
Highlights over the year included welcoming some of the world’s largest and deepest container vessels – five with a draught of more than 17m – made possible thanks to the 2023 channel deepening programme.
That capability is a major factor behind the organisation’s rise in turnover, which increased from £48m in 2024 to £54.9m.
All surplus profits are reinvested into the local community – with one particular highlight being a record-breaking £6.7m social value delivery. The successes of this programme will be outlined in detail in HHA’s first-ever Impact Report, due to be published week commencing June 15.
The authority also won the Inclusive Workplace of the Year Award from the British Ports Association in recognition of its commitment to creating a diverse and supportive working environment.
Helen Rudd, Strategy and Partnerships Director at HHA, added:
“It has been incredible looking back at an amazing year for all those involved in our organisation – from staff to customers and the wider community we are so proud to support.
“We look forward to celebrating another fantastic year for 2026.”
This year’s annual report can be viewed in full at www.annual-report.hha.co.uk
