Why Is the Port of Felixstowe So Important?
The Port of Felixstowe in the heart of the charming seaside Suffolk town is the busiest container port in the UK and the eighth busiest in Europe. Nearly half of containerised trade goes through the Port of Felixstowe, where many hauliers operate, and it competently handles upwards of 3.85 million TEUs.
It’s clear to see that the Port of Felixstowe is crucial to the UK supply chain, but you may be surprised at just how much you didn’t know about one of the most well-known ports in the country.
All About the Port of Felixstowe
It’s An Expansive Site
It’s surprising that Felixstowe hauliers don’t get lost when they visit the Port of Felixstowe to arrange the transportation of crucial cargo. This port spans 3,383 hectares with 10 berths and employs 3,500 people.
There are two primary container terminals, to make container haulage a breeze and a continuous quay spanning 2.3 kilometres or 1.4 miles, which is equipped with an incredible 29 ship-to-shore gantry cranes.
Port of Felixstowe is also so large that it can accommodate some of the world’s largest vessels, such as the Evergreen A class that carries up to 21,700 TEUs.
It’s Operated by the Felixstowe Dock and Railway Company
When you’re in the road freight transport industry, it pays to know as much as possible about the ports you’ll be transporting freight through. The Felixstowe Dock and Railway Company is responsible for the everyday operations of the port located in Felixstowe.
This company was established under the Felixstowe Railway and Pier Act of 1875, which is an Act of Parliament. As a result, it’s just one of a handful of limited companies in the United Kingdom that don’t have ‘Limited’ in their names.
It’s Renowned for Keeping UK’s Trade Moving
Approximately 2,000 ships pull into Felixstowe, with almost four million TEUs on board each year. These ships come from at least 17 different shipping line operators in Felixstowe, who offer 33 services to and from at least 700 ports worldwide.
However, the Felixstowe Port is just one link in a very long chain. With its thousands of staff members, it’s able to work seamlessly with rail and road container transport service providers to ensure cargo makes it to and from its destination with ease.
How Container Haulage Services Work
Have you ever wondered what role transport services play at ports and even freeports? Perhaps one of the most crucial services is shipping container transport. Transmode offers a range of container transport solutions, including transportation from all major ports in the UK, such as Felixstowe Port.
If you would like to discuss our Felixstowe haulage and transport services, feel free to get in touch today or call our experienced team on 01394 675635.