Freight News, Sea

Minister told: We need joined up transport

[ October 30, 2015   //   Chris ]

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill took part in a round table discussion with transport leaders from the ports, road, rail freight and shipping industry at the port of Felixstowe offices on 29 October. Discussions centred on the need for a joined-up approach connecting the maritime sector with other areas of transport policy.
Later in an interview with FBJ, Felixstowe chief executive and managing director of Hutchison Port Holdings Europe, Clemence Cheng, said that the port would be opening its new Berth 9 the following week, allowing two 18,000teu-plus containerships to be handled at the first time. While the UK has a new container port at London Gateway and the port of Liverpool is due to open its Liverpool 2 extension in December, he said “he welcomed that competition” and was confident that Felixstowe had the experience and productivity to maintain its market share, currently 44% of the UK container market.
He added that he would like to see more investment in Felixstowe’s rail link to the Midlands to the North – some parts of an expansion scheme have been ‘paused’ but he was confident that the Government had realised the need to continue investing in infrastructure. “My understanding is that the government is carrying out an overall funding review and we will wait for the outcome.”
The Port of Felixstowe has planning consent valid until 2021 to develop the Bathside Bay area of Harwich across the water as a container port. This scheme was “still on the radar” said Clemence Cheng but in the meantime throughput on existing berths could be increased through investment in systems and equipment.

Tags: felixstowe