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Felixstowe completes ro ro upgrade

[ February 10, 2021   //   ]

The port of Felixstowe has completed work to accommodate larger ro ro vessels and improve operational efficiency.

The upgrade to includes the lengthening of No.3 Ro/Ro berth and the replacement of the previous hydraulic ramp at No.4 Ro/Ro berth with a larger floating linkspan.

Chief executive Chris Lewis, said: “The completion of this upgrade is well-timed. After an initial dip following the end of the Brexit transition period, roll-on/roll-off volumes have been increasing in recent weeks and we are seeing certain flows switching to Felixstowe as a result of new import requirements. The new ro ro ramp complements earlier work to increase the number of trailer parking bays at the port.”

Best known as a container port, Felixstowe handles predominantly unaccompanied trailer trade with Europe via the Netherlands. DFDS operates three sailings per day to Vlaardingen in Rotterdam using vessels of 190-250 trailer capacity.

DFDS general manager Felixstowe, Mark Woodard, said: ” Unaccompanied trailer traffic is becoming ever more cost-effective for traders. We expect to see a further increase in demand as heavy goods driver shortages intensify and full import controls are implemented on goods from the EU from 1 July. The improved facilities give us greater flexibility in vessel deployment and will improve the reliability and consistency of service on the route.”

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