Harwich Haven Authority has been granted half a million pounds to study decarbonisation and smart shipping technology.

The funding from the Department for Transport's Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund will be used for two feasibility studies.

The first study, SEAS (Smart Efficient Automated Scheduling), will explore "innovative solutions" for port operations in partnership with motorsport technology experts PurpleSector.

The second study, Green Haven Digital Twin, will be conducted with technology provider Entopy.

This will focus on the benefits of new predictive technology, operations, vessel arrivals, berthing at the Port of Felixstowe, and reducing GHG emissions in the Haven.

Sarah West, CEO of Harwich Haven Authority, said: "Receiving not one, but two funding awards from the DfT’s UK SHORE fund is a remarkable achievement for the Authority.

"Competition for funding was extremely high but we were confident that our submissions were strong, innovative, and support the UK Government’s economic and growth policies.

"It’s great news for us and we’re confident that the outcomes from the feasibility studies will be of great benefit to both our customers and stakeholders utilising facilities within the Haven."

Harwich Haven Authority is one of the country’s largest trust ports, covering 150 square miles.