About us
Who we are
Essex Waterways Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Inland Waterways Association (registered charity 212342). The Company was formed in 2005 to run, manage and maintain the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation for public benefit. All revenue earned by the company is re-invested in the Navigation.
The Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation runs from Springfield Basin (Chelmsford) to Heybridge Basin, 14.5 miles to the east, dropping the water level nearly 80 feet using 12 locks, all of which are operational. The Navigation runs through some of the most picturesque countryside of central Essex and it is Essex Waterways Ltd’s responsibility to maintain and enhance this for public benefit.