Southampton launches £150m port investment

The port of Southampton yesterday saw the official launch of a £150m investment project aimed at keeping its facilities competitive.

Port owner Associated British Ports (ABP) is also a joint-venture partner in DP World Southampton, the container terminal operator.

The ceremonial lifting of the first paving slab signalled the beginning of the reconstruction of berths 201 and 202 at the container terminal into a fourth berth for the next generation of ultra-large container carriers (ULCCs).

Capable of handling the next generation of 16,000teu+ vessels, which are 400 metres long, the quay will be 500 metres in length, with five ship-to-shore super post-panamax cranes and 16 metres of depth alongside. 

The works are due for completion by December 2013 with the berth being operational in January 2014, allowing the terminal to service four of the largest containerships simultaneously.

ULCCs, utilised for their economies of scale, are predicted to account for more than half of the capacity of the world’s container fleet by 2015. 

Peter Jones, Chief Executive of Associated British Ports, said: ““The £150m investment in the new berth and supporting infrastructure represents a huge vote of confidence in Southampton’s ability to meet the exacting demands of our customers in a new era where ULCCs are set to become quayside regulars.

“It will also play a key role in maintaining an estimated 10,000 jobs connected to the operation of the port in the Southampton region.”

Dredging works, to widen and deepen parts of the main approach channel between the Isle of Wight and the port, are awaiting approval by the Marine Management Organisation.

A contract for the works was awarded to VolkerStevin, a specialist in quality construction and project management services, by ABP in July following a competitive tendering 

process.




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