Harwich International Port has planning permission in place for development of a new container terminal at Bathside Bay. Phase 1 of the container terminal permission commenced implementation in 2022 on existing land. The next phase of work will involve the reclamation of the bay and construction of the quay wall. This will create up to 122 hectares of new port land.

There is now an urgent national need for infrastructure to support green energy production, including offshore wind, to help combat climate change and increase energy security. As a result, a new planning application will be made to Tendring District Council later in 2023 to allow the site – now known as Freeport East Harwich – to also be used temporarily to support the development of new offshore wind capacity.