Two of the historically busiest ports in England have entered a joint bid for Freeport status under a UK government competition to identify up to ten locations around the country. Felixstowe, known primarily for intermodal traffic, and Harwich for ferry sailings, lie opposite each other on the north and south banks of the estuary of two confluent rivers. Both facilities are owned by Hutchison Ports. This is the second joint-bid to go public, after a collaboration by the owners of Tilbury and London Gateway on the River Thames.