New joint venture combines local expertise and global dredging capability under a five-year Harwich Haven maintenance contract
Harwich Haven Authority and Boskalis Westminster have established a new joint venture, Suffolk Dredging LLP, combining local waterway expertise with specialist dredging capabilities to support the long-term maintenance of the Port of Harwich and the wider Haven.
The partnership brings together Harwich Haven Authority’s extensive operational knowledge of the Haven with Boskalis Westminster’s experience in dredging and marine services, creating a dedicated organisation focused on maintaining the resilience and navigability of one of the UK’s busiest and most strategically important waterways.
As part of its launch, Suffolk Dredging LLP has been awarded Harwich Haven Authority’s maintenance dredging contract, taking responsibility for maintaining the navigable depths required to support safe and efficient vessel movements throughout the Haven for the next 5 years.
The joint venture has also been awarded the licence for the Tiamat, an innovative dredging system developed by Harwich Haven Authority, creating opportunities to deploy this technology internationally and supporting the future growth ambitions of the new company.
The creation of Suffolk Dredging LLP represents a significant milestone for both organisations, combining local operational knowledge with world-leading dredging capabilities. The partnership is expected to enhance operational efficiency, support innovation in dredging practices and strengthen the long-term sustainability of maintenance dredging operations within the Haven.
Jake Storey, Chief Financial Officer at Harwich Haven Authority, said: “The formation of Suffolk Dredging LLP marks an exciting new chapter for Harwich Haven Authority. By bringing together our expertise with Boskalis’ global experience, we have created a partnership that will deliver high-quality maintenance dredging services for the Haven while also creating opportunities to develop and commercialise innovative technologies such as Tiamat.”
Paul de Jong, Managing Director of Boskalis Westminster, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Harwich Haven Authority in Suffolk Dredging LLP. This joint venture combines complementary strengths and creates a platform for delivering safe, efficient and innovative dredging solutions, both within the Haven and potentially in new markets around the world.”
The award of both the maintenance dredging contract and the Tiamat licence provides Suffolk Dredging LLP with a strong foundation from which to support navigation, drive innovation and pursue future growth opportunities.
Harwich Haven Authority and Boskalis are also working together to deliver the innovative BUDS (Beneficial Use of Dredged Sediment) project – working with local conservationists on a pioneering initiative that will reuse dredged sediment from harbour maintenance to restore saltmarsh habitat and enhance coastal protection around the Haven.
