Port of Felixstowe begins next phase of expansion efforts

A new container yard, seabed reclamation and rail investments are among the next projects to be undertaken by Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe.    Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe has begun its latest phase of expansion efforts, including a new paved container yard, seabed reclamation and rail facility investments.
   “Berths 8&9 were the first berths in the U.K. built to accommodate the latest class of ultra-large container vessels,” said Clemence Cheng, chief executive officer of the Port of Felixstowe and executive director at Hutchison Ports. “The creation of additional container storage will allow us to optimize container handling operations between the berth and its supporting yard and further enhance the service we offer to our customers.”
   Completion of the new container yard, which will feature 10 container storage blocks and allow six-high stacking, is slated for early 2019. The yard will add 18,000 TEUs of storage capacity to the existing 130,000 TEUs of space, the port said.
   Additionally, Hutchison Ports continues to invest in rail facilities at the port and a new record was set in 2017 when Felixstowe became the first port in the U.K. to handle more than 1 million TEUs by rail in a single year, the port said.
   “This important expansion of Felixstowe continues the port’s impressive record of investment to make sure it is well placed to make the most of trading opportunities both now and in the future,” said Transport Secretary Chris Grayling. “As a great, global trading nation, the U.K. and its ports are the natural home for international maritime business. It is great to see our largest container port expanding its offering so it can grow and prosper.”