Harwich Haven Authority has secured £500,000 in funding for two innovation projects.

The money, from the Department for Transport's (DfT) Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund, will be used for feasibility studies focusing on efficiency, decarbonisation, and pre-commercial smart shipping technology.

The first study, Smart Efficient Automated Scheduling, will explore innovative solutions for port operations.

This will be conducted in partnership with motorsport technology experts, PurpleSector.

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

This will look at the benefits of new predictive technology, operations, vessel arrivals, and berthing at the Port of Felixstowe, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Haven.

Sarah West, chief executive 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."

Steve Beel, chief executive of Freeport East, also endorsed the funding opportunity.

He said: "Freeport East is delighted to see the success of these emerging partnerships, which will deploy cutting-edge digital technology applications into the UK maritime sector, as part of the growing Harwich Innovation Cluster.

"As well as supporting Harwich Haven Authority to strengthen vessel operations, this also supports our broader aspiration of putting Felixstowe and Harwich at the heart of the UK’s green corridor opportunities.”