THOUSANDS of jobs could be created if the new Government gets behind Bathside Bay  port expansion plans in Harwich, business leaders have claimed.

Freeport East says the port's expansion should be a "top priority" if the the Government is to meet its ambitious 2030 goals for clean power and offshore wind.

Bathside Bay is a green energy hub designed to support the growing offshore energy sector and was granted planning approval by Tendring Council in May.

The Freeport East board was given an update on talks over securing government support for private sector investments in the port at a meeting in Harwich.

Chief executive Steve Beel and executives from Hutchison Ports said it would create thousands of jobs and help the UK remain internationally competitive in the offshore wind sector.

Board - The Freeport East board met for the first time after the General Election this week at a Harwich office which sits within the Bathside Bay footprintBoard - The Freeport East board met for the first time after the General Election this week at its Harwich office at Bathside Bay footprint (Image: Freeport East)

The board agreed on the need for support from the Government alongside existing Freeport status so the project can move forward quickly.

Freeport East chairman Mark Lemmon said: “We know that the extensive capabilities of Bathside Bay will serve as an important catalyst in achieving the Government's goal of generating 55 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030, thanks to its unique port capacities.

“As part of a wider ‘Clean Growth Zone’ at Freeport East that incorporates green hydrogen, cleaner aviation fuels and green manufacturing, we are fully prepared to support the Government’s Net Zero agenda.”

Ivan Henderson is the deputy leader of Tendring Council and a Freeport East board member.

He said: “Bathside Bay is the top priority for Freeport East and Tendring Council, and is ‘shovel-ready’ to act as the key enabler for revitalising the economic fortunes of Harwich and the wider area.

“We look forward to working with the new Government to ensure the project best serves their national policy ambitions.

The site is an expansion of existing port facilities the size of 50 football pitches, with 1.4km of new quay, for the offshore wind industry, with deep-water access in one of the UK’s most sheltered natural harbours.