Felixstowe deepening works complete

The main approach channel and berths 8 and 9 at the Hutchison Ports-owned terminal have been deepened from 14.5 to 16 metres and 16 to 18 metres respectively, providing levels of access unequalled anywhere else in the UK, says the port’s chief operating officer, Robert Ashton.

“The completion of this major dredging project reinforces Felixstowe’s position as one of Europe’s leading ports for the latest generation of mega vessels,” he said.

“The dredge increases the maximum size of vessel we can handle, the berthing windows for the biggest vessels and the number of ultra-large vessels that can enter or leave the port on each high tide. Most importantly, it provides more flexibility and certainty of service for our customers in an industry where delays can be costly.”

The announcement was made on 4 October during the maiden call at the port of its namesake the OOCL Felixstowe, the latest in a series of 24,188 teu mega container vessels operated by Orient Overseas Container Line.

“The port has a very long-standing relationship with OOCL who first called here in the 1970s and we are honoured that they still entrust us with their business and have named their newest vessel after the port,” continued Ashton.

This latest improvement follows work last year on berths 6 and 7 to provide four berths capable of handling vessels of over 20,000 teu.

The main navigation channel is managed by Harwich Haven Authority who appointed a joint venture of Dutch dredging contractors Royal Boskalis Westminster and Van Oord to undertake the £130m project.