The man at the helm of Great Yarmouth's Outer Harbour development has stepped down to 'focus on other interests'.

Eddie Freeman had been chief executive of Great Yarmouth Port Company (GYPC) - whose trading name is EastPort UK - since it went into private ownership in May 2007.

The port over which he presided has always had a major influence on Yarmouth's economy, initially with the fishing industry and for more than 40 years with the offshore support industry.

And in February 2010 the deep-water outer harbour became operational, in a bid to harness the growing offshore sector by catering for larger vessels.

Bosses say this ensures it is well placed to become a key strategic base in the construction, commissioning and maintenance of wind farm developments in the North Sea.

GYPC has not elaborated on the reasons for Mr Freeman's departure, but a spokesman said he spent half a decade transforming the development into 'a successful energy and general cargo port with a new and thriving Outer Harbour.'

Mr Freeman's successor has been named as Jamie Frater, and he started in his role yesterday.

Alistair Baillie, chairman of GYPC, said: 'We are very thankful to Mr Freeman for the role he has played in the development of the port and wish him well in the future.

'We are also very pleased that Mr Frater has agreed to lead GYPC through its next exciting phase.

'Mr Frater brings a wealth of expertise from nearly 40 years in the port industry and is well placed to meet the challenges of accommodating new trades including from the burgeoning energy sector ensuring the Port builds upon the successful platform created to date.'

Mr Frater has 38 years experience in the port industry and was previously CEO for Hutchison Port holdings where he developed and managed holdings in Egypt and Oman.

And he has previously reported to Mr Baillie in his role as programme and global operations director for P&O ports.

Eliza O'Toole, deputy chairman of GYPC, added: 'We welcome the deep experience Mr Frater can bring to the port at this important time both for the business and the region.

'We look forward to introducing him to all our stakeholders in the coming days and continuing our positive ongoing relationships with all those who have worked with us since we acquired the business in 2007 and built the Outer Harbour'.

Mr Frater has also served as operations director for Southampton Container Terminal and Tilbury Container Services.