Port of Felixstowe upgrades ro-ro facilities

Photo: Port of Felixstowe

They will allow the port to accommodate larger ro-ro vessels and improve the efficiency of vessel operations.

The works, which are due to be completed before the end of the Brexit transition period, include the lengthening of the port's ro-ro berth number three and the replacement of the current hydraulic ramp at number four with a larger floating linkspan.

Nusrat Ghani MP, Maritime Minister, inspected the construction site.

Clemence Cheng, CEO, Port of Felixstowe, commented on the Minister's visit, "Roll-on/Roll-off is an important component of the port's business. With three sailings per day to Vlaardingen in Rotterdam we provide a vital connection to North Europe for UK importers and exporters. The port is already Brexit-ready and the improvements that we are starting today, coupled with additional trailer parking that has already been completed, will enhance capacity, capability and performance for Ro/Ro traffic at Felixstowe."

He also mentioned the Felixstowe's efforts to upgrade the containerised capability in order to cater for the increase in trade with the rest of the world, a result of new trade deals that will be struck upon UK's exit from the EU.

Whilst at the port, Minister Ghani toured the new ro-ro trailer storage area created with support from Department for Transport Port Infrastructure Resilience and Connectivity funding and discussed the Women in Maritime Initiative and the development of the port's 5G network with the senior management.