The Haven Gateway Partnership: • Has a strong lobbying role on behalf of the Haven Ports • Is raising the profile of the Haven Gateway area • Is campaigning for improvements to the sub-region's infrastructure • Has set up the Maritime and Logistics Skills Centre, an ambitious training initiative to promote career opportunities in the ports, shipping and logistic sector and focus on training issues to ensure the right mix of skills and knowledge are available for this growing sector • Is working to attract more cruise business and tourism • Advises and supports businesses looking to relocate to the area

Harwich International Port works in close co-operation with Harwich Haven Authority to ensure Port users have world class marine facilities and accurate information on services available within the Harwich Haven.

Harwich Haven Authority (HHA) was established by Act of Parliament in 1863 to safeguard the best natural haven on the east coast of England.

Its jurisdiction covers the River Stour, the lower part of the River Orwell, Harwich Harbour and an area to seaward extending 12 nautical miles from the harbour entrance and covering 150 square miles.

As the conservancy and pilotage authority, HHA provides services for shipping using the commercial ports of Felixstowe, Ipswich, Harwich International, Harwich Navyard and Mistley and also boarding and landing services for the rivers Thames, Medway, Blackwater, Colne and Crouch.

In addition to providing vessel traffic services (VTS) for its own area of responsibility, HHA is the appointed VTS authority for the Sunk VTS, acting on behalf of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Further information about the HHA can be found on their website www.hha.co.uk

As a key member of the Haven Gateway Partnership, Harwich International Port supports a broad range of activities designed to promote the Haven Gateway and secure its future as one of Europe’s principal port complexes.

More than 15,000 people are directly employed in the sub-region’s ports, shipping and logistics sector, and if those indirectly working for the industry are included, the total is estimated to be 25,000.

A public/private sector body, the Haven Gateway Partnership aims to raise the area’s profile and secure funding for regeneration schemes. Key issues include training, skills and recruitment requirements, which are being addressed by its Maritime and Logistics Skills Centre; attracting more cruise business to the region; and gaining infrastructure improvements, in both road and rail.

The partners, are working to advise and support businesses looking to relocate to the area, make available development land for logistics-related activities and create a year-round ferry service linking Harwich, Shotley and Felixstowe.

Recently the Haven Gateway Partnership has confirmed its commitment to increasing cruise tourism to the sub-region by recruiting a cruise co-ordinator to promote local destinations.

The Haven Gateway Partnership has become an important lobbying force in the UK and Europe and has a crucial role to play in supporting the substantial growth expected in the port-related sector, a vital part of the Haven Gateway’s economy.