Business, Freight News, Logistics, Sea

Happy times in Felixstowe

[ September 28, 2011   //   Chris ]

The Port of Felixstowe formally opened its new deep water shipping terminal on 28 September. The two-berth terminal (8&9) – is the first stage of a £1 billion-plus investment programme – and is currently the only facility in the UK capable of handling the largest container ships currently on order. It will be equipped with seven of the largest container cranes in the world, able to manage ships with containers stowed 24-wide on deck. This capability will allow the world’s largest and most efficient ships to import goods directly to the UK.

Chief executive officer of Felixtowe’s operator, HPUK, David Gledhill, commented: “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. 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.”

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 and will double rail terminal capacity at the port.