Courtesy of Freeport East George Kieffer, Chairman of the Freeport East Project Board, said, “The UK is the world’s largest market for the development and deployment of offshore wind and Freeport East sits right at its heart. The southern North Sea is the most densely populated area for offshore wind projects, home to 52% of the UK’s entire operational fleet with more developments planned. “Securing Freeport status will help attract additional investment in this vital sector, helping to regenerate an area in need of levelling-up and delivering on government’s targets for net-zero emissions.” Harwich International Port has already been involved in a number of offshore wind projects as Clemence Cheng, Executive Director of the port’s owners, Hutchison Ports, explained, “Harwich International has already supported the construction of Greater Gabbard, Galloper, London Array, Gunfleet Sands, and Thanet offshore wind farms and proximity to the physical market is a key consideration of any wind farm developer. Future development could deliver sheltered deep water with up to 1.4 km of new quays for heavy lift installation vessels, barges and crew transfer vessels, amongt others.