Deeper channel at Felixstowe
The English port of Felixstowe has completed the deepening of its main approach channel and of its berths 8 and 9, enhancing accessibility for the world’s largest container vessels. The approach channel’s depth has been increased from 14.5 to 16 m, while berths 8 and 9 have been deepened from 16 to 18 m below chart datum.
This development, recently announced during the maiden call of the ‘OOCL Felixstowe’, a 24,188 teu mega container vessel, solidifies Felixstowe’s position as a leading European port for ULCVs.
Port COO Robert Ashton highlighted the improved flexibility and service reliability resulting from the dredging. Berths 6 and 7 were already upgraded to handle 20,000 teu vessels in 2022.
The Harwich Haven Authority managed the project, in partnership with the Dutch dredging contractors Royal Boskalis Westminster and Van Oord. It represents a significant investment to secure the UK’s position as a major trading nation. (pb)