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Harwich International Port began operations as a rail ferry port in the 1880s. Over a century later, around 1.5 million passengers pass through the Port each year, and it has earned an enviable reputation for handling ferry services in particular to Holland, Germany, Sweden and Denmark.

Conveniently located on the East Coast, just 69 miles from London, Harwich International Port offers easy access to road, rail and air links. The A12 and A14 trunk roads connect with the UK motorway network; Harwich International Station, adjacent to the purpose built ferry and cruise terminals, offers regular train services to London and other destinations.

Nestling where the Rivers Stour and Orwell meet, Harwich itself is a quaint and historic seafaring town with several well renovated buildings and interesting museums, as well as a good range of friendly bars and restaurants. Attractions within easy reach include Constable Country, the perfectly preserved ancient wool town of Lavenham, the former Roman stronghold of Colchester (Britain’s oldest recorded town) and Cambridge, famous for its centuries-old colleges and excellent museums.

Stena Line operates a twice-daily service to the Hook of Holland with its large ro-ro ferries, Britannica and Hollandica. There is also a scheduled passenger ferry service out of Harwich to Esbjerg all year round, operated by DFDS Seaways. Both companies have enhanced their services with substantial investment in their fleets. The introduction of Dana Sirena to the Esbjerg route by DFDS Seaways reduced the crossing time by 2 hours and provided capacity for 600 passengers and 196 cabins. The new Stena Brittanica and Stena Hollandica make an overnight crossing to Hook of Holland in just over 6 hours.

The port has also seen remarkably fast growth in cruise ship calls and now deals with operators serving a number of markets, including North Cape, Baltic, Scandinavia, around Britain and the Mediterranean. Harwich International Port, now established as a major UK cruise port for turnaround calls and as a destination, is working, in conjunction with Haven Gateway Partnership, to promote the local tourist attractions in a bid to attract increased tourism to the area.

For further details contact; Stena Line: Tel 0870 5707070 or visit the website on www.stenaline.co.uk