UK’s largest container port opens new deepwater terminal

28 Sep 2011 - Port Planning

• Port of Felixstowe to formally open new deep water shipping terminal today

• The terminal's two berths are the only ones in the UK capable of accommodating the world’s largest container ships

The Port of Felixstowe, the UK's largest container port, will formally open a new deep water shipping terminal today.

The new terminal which consists of two berths – Berths 8&9 - is the first stage of a £1 billion plus inward investment programme in Hutchison’s UK ports.

Currently the Port of Felixstowe deals with over 40 per cent of the country’s container cargo with around £60bn of imports and exports passing through Felixstowe each year. The expansion of the port could add a further £20bn to this figure.

Berths 8&9 are the only ones in the UK capable of handling the largest container ships currently on order.

“As container ships get larger it is crucial ports like Felixstowe stays ahead of the game and ensure the UK is ready for the introduction of the next generation of container ships,” commented Chief Executive Officer of HPUK, David Gledhill.

“Failure to provide facilities for the new container ships would mean the world’s most efficient ships could not dock in the UK, driving up the cost of imports and making UK exports less competitive,” added Gledhill.

The new berths will enhance significantly the UK’s supply chain infrastructure. At present large container ships coming from East Asia to Europe only make three or four stops at ports across Europe and with the construction of Berths 8&9, Felixstowe will be one of the ports on the ships’ calling cards.

The new facility will be equipped with seven of the largest container cranes in the world, with each crane being capable of handling ships with containers stowed 24-wide on deck.

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Video: Berths 8 & 9 open at the Port of Felixstowe
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As part of the project the port will construct a third rail terminal in 2012. With capacity for 30-wagon long trains, it will be the longest terminal, of its type, in the UK, doubling the rail terminal capacity at the port and allowing for more goods to be transported across the country year-on-year.

While the UK’s economic outlook remains uncertain, the economy’s ability to return to growth will only be possible if the UK has the necessary infrastructure. Berths 8&9 will ensure the country has the port capacity to enable this growth, creating an additional one million TEU capacity per annum.  

“As well as providing a boost to British business the investment programme planned for Felixstowe will also benefit the local area. Over 32,000 individuals are currently employed, directly or indirectly, in the Haven Gateway, of which the Port of Felixstowe is a part. The expansion of Felixstowe will create 1500 new jobs, a massive boon for employment in the region,” concluded Gledhill.

 

Staff Writer: Linton Nightingale