Port of Felixstowe Ro/Ro upgrade complete
Work to allow Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe to accommodate larger Ro/Ro vessels and improve the efficiency of vessel operations has been completed.
The upgrade to facilities at the port includes the lengthening of No.3 Ro/Ro berth and the replacement of the previous hydraulic ramp at No.4 Ro/Ro berth with a larger floating linkspan.
Commenting on the improvements, Chris Lewis, Chief Executive Officer at the Port of Felixstowe, said:
"The completion of this upgrade is well-timed. After an initial dip following the end of the Brexit transition period, Roll-on/Roll-off volumes have been increasing in recent weeks and we are seeing certain flows switching to Felixstowe as a result of new import requirements. The new Ro/Ro ramp complements earlier work to increase the number of trailer parking bays at the port and boosts the capability of our Ro/Ro operations."
Although best known as a container port, the Port of Felixstowe is also one of the UK East Coast's major Ro/Ro ports. It handles predominantly unaccompanied trailer trade with Europe via the Netherlands. Ferry company DFDS operate three sailings per day to Vlaardingen in Rotterdam using vessels of 190-250 trailer capacity.
Mark Woodard, DFDS General Manager Felixstowe, said:
"We are delighted with the outcome of these works. Unaccompanied trailer traffic is becoming ever more cost-effective for traders. We expect to see a further increase in demand as heavy goods driver shortages intensify and full import controls are implemented on goods from the EU from 1 July. The improved facilities give us greater flexibility in vessel deployment and will improve the reliability and consistency of service on the route."
