UK Boosts Economy & Creates 1,500 Jobs With New Deep Water Berths

At the port of Felixstowe in Suffolk, a £1 billion investment program to create 1,500 jobs has seen the opening of two new deep-water shipping terminals, making it the only berth in the UK capable of handling the biggest containerships on order. 

The terminals are said to be equipped with seven of the largest container cranes in the world, able to manage ships with containers stowed 24-wide, The Press Association reports.  The opening of the berths is only one stage in the investment program, though.  The expansion of the port could rack up an additional £20 billion to what has already been invested with rail terminal construction. 

The expansion is not only a boost to the economy and creating jobs, but it is also enhancing UK’s supply chain infrastructure at one of its biggest ports.  The cutting-edge technology will be able to provide better customer service, as well as reducing carbon emissions, according to Dredging Today. 

The Felixstowe port currently deals approximately 40% of the UK’s container cargo, with over £60 billion in trade passing through the port annually.  The new terminals and cranes will enable that number to increase by £20 billion a year.

BBC speculated that the expansion will create 680 jobs directly through the port, and 820 jobs through the ability to increase suppliers.

Sky News quoted Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond, saying that the project demonstrates the UK’s focus on growth, innovation, and the encouragement of private sector investment. --MarEx