ABP given go-ahead for £80 million berth redevelopment

24 Feb 2011 - Port Planning

• ABP gain approval for quay redevelopment

• £80 million project to allow the handling of larger vessels

Associated British Ports (ABP) have been given the green light by the Marine Management Organisation for the construction of a new quay wall, at Berths 201 and 202 at its Southampton Port.

The £80 million redevelopment will expand the key to 500 metres in length with a 16 metre draft, enabling the berths to accomodate larger ships than the ones currently in operation.

The main works will commence on site in September 2012 with completion anticipated by the end of 2013, according to the ABP website.

Port Director Doug Morrison welcomed the news, saying: “This consent allows us to press forward with important works at Berths 201/2. With the size of container vessels continuing to increase, the container terminal can no longer accommodate four of the largest container ships simultaneously – this development will rectify that situation by creating the “lost” fourth berth.”

The expansion of the two berths will increase the handling capacity of the ABP port by up to 750,000 TEU.