Felixstowe has always insisted that its terminals will remain common-user facilities, and it is understood that there is no “exclusive” element to the agreement.  However, the “priority” element of the deal is said to include a guarantee that it will receive priority treatment at the port’s deepwater Trinity Terminal if its ships arrive on schedule.

Maersk will also continue to use other UK ports.

Doug Bannister, managing director of Maersk Line UK and Ireland, said:  “Maersk Line has an unrivalled global network and we strive for unmatched reliability.  This new agreement with the Port of Felixstowe means we have capacity guaranteed, giving us greater control over the operation of our vessels.”

The agreement – signed at a time when UK ports are severely squeezed for space – starts in August, when Felixstowe is due to take delivery of its latest new cranes.