FELIXSTOWE

• GBFXT
• Latitude: 51.959
• Longitude: 1.29811
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in UK

Location: UK

Felixstowe is the largest and one of the busiest container ports in the United Kingdom, located on the east coast near the town of Felixstowe in Suffolk. Managed by the Felixstowe Dock and Railway Company, a subsidiary of Hutchison Ports, it handles a significant portion of the UK's container traffic. Below is an in-depth description and specification of Felixstowe Port:

Geographic and Operational Overview:

• Location: The port is situated at the mouth of the River Orwell and River Stour, providing easy access to the North Sea and major European shipping routes.
• Coordinates: Approximately 51°57'08" N latitude and 1°18'03" E longitude.

Facilities and Infrastructure:

• Berths: Felixstowe has several deep-water berths that can accommodate the world’s largest container vessels. The port consists of multiple terminals, including the Trinity Terminal, which is the main container terminal.
  • Berth Depths: It varies but goes up to 16+ meters which is sufficient for accommodating large post-Panamax and ultra-large container ships.
  • Quay Length: Over 2,000 meters, enabling multiple large vessels to dock simultaneously.

Cargo and Container Handling:

• Capacity: The port handles millions of TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually, making it a crucial hub in the UK's logistics and supply chain.
• Equipment: Includes state-of-the-art container cranes, gantry cranes, and straddle carriers designed for efficient cargo handling.

Connectivity:

• Road and Rail: The port is well-connected by road (A14 and A12) and rail, providing seamless logistics connections to London, the Midlands, and other regions.
  • Rail Services: Multiple daily freight train services link Felixstowe to various inland distribution hubs, significantly decreasing road congestion and carbon footprints.

Additional Services:

• Customs and Warehousing: The port provides comprehensive customs services, warehousing, and storage facilities for all types of cargo.
• Pilotage and Towage: Expert pilotage and towage services are available to guide vessels safely into and out of the port.
• Bunkering: The port offers bunkering services with provisions for fuel, fresh water, and other supplies.

Environmental and Safety Measures:

• Environmental Commitment: Felixstowe Port follows stringent environmental guidelines to minimize its ecological impact, including initiatives for reducing emissions and managing waste.
• Safety Standards: Adheres to high safety standards and regulations to ensure the safety of both the workforce and visiting vessels.

Key Points:

• Ownership: Owned and operated by Hutchison Ports, a leading global port investor, developer, and operator.
• Strategic Importance: Acts as a pivotal gateway for UK imports and exports, strengthening trade links with Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Future Development:

• Expansion Plans: Continuous investment in infrastructure and technology to further enhance capacity, efficiency, and sustainability, ensuring its readiness to meet future demands.

Felixstowe Port thus stands out as a vital node in the UK's maritime sector, known for its advanced facilities, strategic location, and robust operations that support global trade.