11th October 2002
Port of Felixstowe expansion moves a step closer
The Secretary of State has made the Harbour Revision Order for the further development of the Port of Felixstowe's Trinity Terminal. The Port originally applied to the government for the 270-metre extension in October 2000.
The Secretary of State's decision to make the Order follows a Public Inquiry into the Port's proposals in May 2002, prompted by the opposition of a single objector.
Commenting on the decision, Richard Pearson, Managing Director of Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, said:
"We are delighted that the Secretary of State has made the Harbour Revision Order for the extension of Trinity Terminal. We are now keen to get this work underway as soon as possible. The extension is essential to provide additional deep-water capacity for the largest containers vessels servicing the UK. We will be awarding contracts as quickly as practicable, and aim to have the quay operational within 14 months."
The development of Trinity Terminal is vital, both from a national and local perspective. The extension will enable the Port of Felixstowe to berth two of the latest generation of large container vessels simultaneously, thereby securing its ability to compete against other European ports. It will also provide a much-needed boost to capacity to enable the Port to handle the growth in essential import and export trade. Locally, it will create an estimated 400 jobs, and will help safeguard employment for the 2,600 people directly employed at the Port, and the many thousands of others who rely on the Port for their livelihoods.
Note to Editors:
Port of Felixstowe (PFL) is the largest container port in the UK and the fourth largest in Europe. PFL is a member of the Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) Group, the world's leading port investor, developer and operator with interests in 15 countries throughout Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Today, HPH operates a total of 30 ports together with a number of transportation related service companies.
For further information, please contact Paul Davey, Corporate Affairs Manager, on Tel No: 44-1394 604987, Fax No: 44-1394 604943 or e-mail: daveyps@hpuk.co.uk