Freeport East and Harwich Haven Authority (HHA) welcomed the Royal Navy to Harwich this week, bringing together senior figures from industry, local government and the maritime sector to showcase the future of regional resilience and security.
The event, Resilience in Harwich with the Royal Navy, took place on Wednesday 12 August at the Pier Hotel in Harwich and coincided with the docking of a Royal Navy River Class Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMS SEVERN, at Harwich – marking a rare visit that gave guests the opportunity to tour the ship.
Hosted jointly by Freeport East and HHA, and attended by a network of business, civic and industry leaders, the session brought the Royal Navy’s Naval Regional Command and Presentation team to Harwich to set out their vision for a ‘Hybrid Navy’, which would blend crewed platforms, autonomous systems and data and digital technology to deliver operational effect around the UK coastline.
Attendees heard directly from the Royal Navy about its plans for the region – including the county’s affiliation with the new Type 31 frigate HMS Venturer, formalised in 2024 and the first such link between Essex and a warship in 30 years. Currently under construction in Scotland and due to enter service later this decade, HMS Venturer connects more than 1.8 million people across Essex, from Colchester to Southend, with the Royal Navy’s next generation of frigates.
Freeport East’s Steve Beel addressed the strategic importance of Harwich to the UK’s maritime and defence footprint.
Steve Beel, CEO at Freeport East, said: “It has been our pleasure to host the Royal Navy here in Harwich today and to have the opportunity to bring local industry and political leaders together to hear about the future of maritime resilience in the region. Harwich has always punched above its weight when it comes to maritime activity, from the days of Christopher Jones, the Harwich-born captain and part-owner of the Mayflower, through to the Kindertransport in the Second World War and on to being a prime link for millions of passengers to the European continent. Days like this are a reminder that this coastline still matters both strategically and economically to the whole United Kingdom.”
Dr Jo North, CEO at Harwich Haven Authority, added: “Harwich has always been a place where maritime expertise, innovation and collaboration come together, so it is a privilege to welcome the Royal Navy and so many partners to the Haven. As the organisation responsible for the safe navigation of one of the UK’s busiest and most strategically important waterways, Harwich Haven Authority know that strong partnerships and shared knowledge are at the heart of building a resilient and thriving maritime future.
“Bringing together industry, government and defence gives us the opportunity to share ideas, explore new technologies and strengthen the relationships that will support our region for years to come. By working together, we can unlock new opportunities for innovation, economic growth and skills, while ensuring our ports and coastal communities continue to play a vital role in the UK’s prosperity.”
Naval Regional Commander of London and Eastern England, Commodore Timothy Green CBE ADC said: “I am delighted to join HMS SEVERN in Harwich this week. This warship visit is an ideal opportunity to engage with the Maritime and Security communities in Essex and meet many Civic and Defence Industry leaders.
“Essex has a long and proud history of supporting the Royal Navy and this region remains a key maritime county with one of the largest coastlines in the UK. Furthermore, Harwich remains a strategically vital port for both the region and the whole of the UK.
“I know that HMS SEVERN’s visit will further strengthen the very strong bonds between the Royal Navy and Essex.”
The visit builds on the Royal Navy’s growing ties with the county: in 2024, Essex became formally affiliated with the new Type 31 frigate HMS Venturer, part of a long history of naval links to Harwich, which served as a key naval base through both World Wars.
Freeport East said the visit reflected the growing importance of the Harwich and Felixstowe area as a hub for maritime security, innovation and industry collaboration, and that it looked forward to continuing to work with the Royal Navy and HHA on future initiatives.
Photography courtesy of Jeff Welch and Harwich Haven Authority
