Month: August 2026

Suffolk Dredging formed to transform ports shipping lanes – 19th August 2026

Suffolk Dredging formed to transform ports shipping lanes – 19th August 2026

Harwich Haven Authority (HHA) and Boskalis Westminster have launched Suffolk Dredging LLP, combining HHA’s knowledge of the Haven with Boskalis Westminster’s expertise in dredging and marine services. The beneficial use of dredged sediment targeted by this new alliance may have some lessons for the Deben Estuary.

HHA – which is a non-profit trust – navigates shipping through vital waterways leading to the UK’s largest container port at Felixstowe, as well as the ports of Harwich and Ipswich.

Jake Storey (CFO of Harwich Haven Authority) and Paul de Jong (MD of Boskalis Westminster) in Harwich (Image: HHA) The new company will take on HHA’s five-year maintenance dredging contract, ensuring navigable depths for vessels throughout the Haven.

Suffolk Dredging has also secured the licence for Tiamat, an innovative dredging system developed by HHA. This opens the door to international deployment and supports the joint venture’s long-term growth ambitions.

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.”

The partnership is expected to improve operational efficiency and promote innovation in dredging practices, strengthening the sustainability of maintenance work in the Haven.

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.”

In addition to the dredging contract, the Tiamat licence gives Suffolk Dredging a solid starting point to expand its services and technology offerings globally.

HHA and Boskalis are also partnering on the Beneficial Use of Dredged Sediment (BUDS) project, which aims to turn dredged material into a resource for environmental improvement.

The project sees the two organisations working with conservation groups to reuse sediment from harbour dredging to restore saltmarsh habitat and improve coastal protection around the Haven.

With thanks to East Anglia Daily Times (published 27th July) and Harwich Haven Authority for the information and photograph.

Ufford Pools Breach – Latest 18th August 2026

BBC News, Suffolk says: (link) A footbridge damaged after heavy rain is to be restored as part of a longer-term plan to protect the area from the “increasing challenges” of drought and flooding.

The Hawkeswade Bridge at Ufford, near Woodbridge, Suffolk, forms part of a popular route for walkers beside the River Deben but has been out of bounds since April.

Persistent rain had caused a weir structure to fall away, which in turn caused the bridge to partially collapse and water to flow on to surrounding land.

At the time, the Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust said it created “significant damage to habitats along a large stretch of the river”.

The weir breach caused a water-filled crater known as Ufford Hole to drain on to surrounding land.

Water levels in the Deben dropped by more than a metre as water flowed down a side channel towards the East Suffolk rail line, and the downstream channel was left in puddles.

Councils and a consortium of landowners and farmers have worked with the Environment Agency and others to form an action plan, with restoration of the footpath deemed a “top priority”.

Preparation work is expected to begin by early autumn as a first step to reopen a route described as “well-used and much-loved”.

The parish councils of Ufford, Melton and Bromeswell said the dried-out channel from Old Melton Mill to Ufford Hole would be cleared this month to allow water to flow back to the mill.

“Looking further ahead, the project aims not only to restore the footpath but to improve the resilience of the surrounding landscape,” their statement added.

“Plans are being developed to help protect the footpath, neighbouring farmland and the railway from the increasing challenges of winter flooding and summer drought.”

The broader plan required “significant” additional funding, it added, with possible opportunities for people who “value this special area” to support the project.

Statement from representatives from Bromeswell, Melton and Ufford Parish Councils who attended a meeting on Tuesday 4th August