By David Ralph, chief executive, Haven Gateway Partnership

Contributing an estimated 32,000 jobs to the local economy and comprising some 12% of the GVA of the local economy, the performance of the Haven Ports is increasingly vital to both our local economy and UK plc.

Last year [2011] was extremely challenging for the ports sector – but in reality, the performance of our ports held up well, underlining their strong position in millions of supply chains.

The Port of Felixstowe celebrated its 125th anniversary last year and of course this was an occasion to look back on a proud history. But this is a port that’s looking forward with confidence. The anniversary celebrations were held in combination with the official opening of the new deepwater Berths 8&9.

Felixstowe remains the only UK terminal able to handle the world’s largest containerships [and that extends to Maersk’s upcoming 18,000 teu Triple-E class], HPUK chief executive David Gledhill emphasised. “It isn’t just a concept or Powerpoint presentation; it is built, it is finished and it is now open today, not at some indeterminate point in the future.”

Also at the opening, Lin Homer, permanent secretary at the Department for Transport, praised HPUK for its forward thinking, adaptability and flexibility. “This major investment shows that Britain is open for business,” she said. “The way of the future is super box ships. And you have got there ahead of the game.”

“And it doesn’t stop there,” said David Gledhill. “We will expand that to nearly 1,300 metres with Berth 10 and when that is completed we will have a total 13 of the world’s largest gantry cranes. Beyond that we have Bathside Bay, where we already have consent to build another terminal of a very similar scale.”

Harwich International Port, meanwhile, is tremendously busy supporting the construction of both the Greater Gabbard and London Array wind farms, while also looking forward to one of its best cruise seasons ever. The port has an excellent reputation in both fields!

In 2013 there will be another boost, following the announcement that Ipswich-based Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has chosen Harwich as its new regional departure port. Next year [2013], the 804-passenger Black Watch will start and finish three cruises out of Harwich to the Baltic, Norway and Lapland in May and run one mini-cruise in June.

What better recommendation could we ask than that of Matt Grimes, director of planning for Fred. Olsen, who said: “Harwich International Port has long been on Fred. Olsen’s radar as a turnaround port following a series of successful transit calls in recent years. Its direct rail connections from London – whereby guest alight right next to the cruise terminal – make this an extremely easy port to access.”

Rail connections are also a major ‘plus’ for the big event of 2012 – the London Olympics. Harwich will be a key port for the Games, as it is the UK’s only international point of entry with direct rail access to the Olympic Park.

All in all, we can look forward to another gold medal winning performance from our ports!