Record Container Moves at the Port of Felixstowe

The Port of Felixstowe is celebrating a record number of containers being handled on a single vessel, with the call of China Shipping Container Lines’ CSCL America. The Port achieved an impressive 5,586 container moves on the 8,468-TEU ship, in what is thought to be the largest ever exchange of containers at a UK port.

Chris Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, which owns the Port of Felixstowe, said:

“This record turnaround is a clear indication of the strong co-operation that exists between the Port of Felixstowe and China Shipping. We are constantly looking at ways to improve the level of service that we offer to our customers, and we are extremely pleased that we have been able to meet China Shipping’s requirements on this momentous occasion.”

Robert Hughes, General Manager of China Shipping UK, said of the record:

“We are delighted that the 'CSCL America' should be the first ship in Felixstowe to achieve this milestone in crane moves. It confirms the commitment of China Shipping to concentrate their services between the UK and Asia in Felixstowe, and highlights the importance of the UK in the Line’s schedule.”

China Shipping Container Lines’ commitment to the AEX1 service has been further strengthened by its decision to upgrade its fleet with newer ships of larger capacity. On 5th March, the Port welcomed the first call of the 337 metre-long 'Xin Hong Kong', which is the first of four 9,600-TEU capacity vessels being introduced on this service. The 'CSCL Zeebrugge' will follow in April, with the last two ships due to arrive in late Spring/early Summer 2007. Once these have been deployed, the AEX1 service will be made up of 4 x 8,500-TEU and 4 x 9,600-TEU vessels. The service makes Felixstowe its first port of call in Northern Europe inward from Ningbo, Shanghai, Yantian, Hong Kong and Chiwan.