The Society was formed in May 1992 following a public meeting held in Harwich. It became apparent at the meeting that the ferry service across Harwich harbour to Felixstowe — inaugurated in 1912 and operated since 1925 by MV Brightlingsea — was in difficulty and about to close down. The service ended when it was no longer possible for the Brightlingsea to berth at the ferry landing site in Felixstowe dock, which in any event had become unsuitable for public use owing to the expansion of the commercial operations at the port of Felixstowe.

The ferry service across the harbour was later reopened by the present operator with the MV Explorer 12 which is licensed to carry 12 passengers and operates from the Ha’penny Pier at Harwich. At Felixstowe the ferry has a landing site near Landguard Fort, and at Shotley passengers are landed at the pontoon at Shotley Point Marina, a short walk from the village of Shotley Gate.

The objects of the Society are

• to preserve the historic ferry links between Harwich and Felixstowe, and Harwich and Shotley;
• to support the operation of a ferry service and other related harbour and tourist interests by any suitable operator able to offer such services;
• to continue to press for the construction of a suitable landing stage on the Felixstowe side of the Harbour for use by a ferry service;
• to foster public awareness of any current ferry service.

The Society has nearly two hundred members. These are mainly in Felixstowe and Harwich, but we also have some valued supporters from further afield. An Annual General Meeting is held, usually in Harwich, and the Society issues periodic News Letters to its members.

If you would like further information, please contact the Society’s Secretary: