Port bosses have said they would use tight security to avert terrorism threats if a container terminal was built in Harwich.
It comes after concerns that bombs could be hidden in container ships by terror groups, such as al Qaida.
Harwich International Port does not deal with container vessels at the moment but it wants to in the future.
A public inquiry is currently being held to see whether the port can expand to include a new container terminal at Bathside Bay.
It would create capacity to berth four deep-sea vessels at any one time.
Paul Davey, spokesman for port owners Hutchison, said all necessary security measures would be put in place if Bathside Bay was approved.
He said: "Harwich International Port doesn't handle container traffic at the moment and it would comply with any security needed if Bathside went ahead."
Published Tuesday July 27, 2004
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