Freeport East declares significant milestone for UK offshore wind port investment as approval given for Bathside Bay Green Energy Hub

Plans for a major new green energy hub based in Harwich have been given the go ahead. It will enhance port capabilities to support the growing offshore energy sector and help reach the government’s goal of 50 Gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030.

Harwich International Port was granted permission last night (Tuesday 14 May) by Tendring District Council’s (TDC) Planning Committee to use the planned Bathside Bay Container Terminal (BBCT) platform as a green energy hub.

The facility will provide interim support for offshore wind activities while laying groundwork for future clean energy initiatives and container terminal developments.

The decision will also contribute to the advancement of Freeport East, playing a significant role in establishing Bathside Bay as a key component of its development.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, welcomed the committee’s decision.

He said:

“This decision is a hugely important step for the long-awaited development of Bathside Bay, to realise the potential of Freeport East.

“It shows Tendring District Council helping to turn Freeport East into a reality, with the potential to bring jobs and skills opportunities and raising aspirations for our residents.

“The Council is a member of the Freeport East Board and its overall commitment to Freeport East is well established, so I am delighted that the Planning Committee has approved this application, which will also make Bathside Bay part of the green energy revolution.”

Councillor Henderson said the green energy hub could also be supported by a separate new £10million innovation hub, for which a report by the University of Essex last year said Harwich would be a prime location.

The hub would bring together a cluster of businesses and organisations in a new dedicated building, helping the town to become a national leader in clean energy.

Steve Beel, Chief Executive of Freeport East, welcomes the news. He said:

“Bathside Bay is set to become a vital hub for green energy, particularly for offshore wind projects. With planning secured, it stands out as one of the only new UK port projects ready to support offshore wind development in the coming years.

“Its strategic location offers significant advantages for large-scale manufacturing and assembly of offshore wind turbines. Its ample quay length, water depth, and available land  also make it uniquely placed to serve both UK and European offshore wind farms, contributing to a cleaner energy future.”

Hutchison Ports – which runs Harwich International Port – was given permission to reclaim land in the estuary and operate a 122-hectare container terminal facility at Bathside Bay almost 20 years ago.

Earlier this year, plans were approved for the creation of a new estuarine habitat in Little Oakley, which is designed to compensate for the impact on wildlife at Bathside Bay.

As part of the plans, creating a new sea wall and breach the existing one will create an estuarine habitat between Hamford Water and Irlam’s Beach.