IN the future Harwich’s role in offshore renewable energy could be expanded.

This would include manufacturing, fabrication and assembly as well as using available quayside to extend operations and maintenance services and the commercial intensification of nearby land to support supply chain activities.

George Kieffer, Essex Vice Chair of SELEP, said: “We’re excited about creating an expanded South East CORE which recognises the role Harwich and Brightlingsea play in this specialist field.

“Linking these towns with their counterparts in Kent brings together their complementary strengths and enables our region to compete even more effectively with the rest of the UK and Europe."