The Port of Southampton has been given the go-ahead to develop quays to handle the largest container ships afloat today.
Associated British Ports has received consent from the Marine Management Organisation for the construction of a new quay wall at Berths 201 and 202 in the Port of Southampton.
On completion, the redeveloped quay will be 500m in length with a 16m draft and capable of handling the largest container vessels afloat today.
Port Director Doug Morrison said: “With the size of container vessels continuing to increase, the container terminal can no longer accommodate four of the largest container ships simultaneously – this development will rectify that situation by creating the “lost” fourth berth.”
The main works, which will involve an investment of approximately £80 million, will commence on site in September 2012 with completion anticipated by the end of 2013.
Network Rail has just completed work to upgrade the rail capacity for containers moving between the port and the West Coast Main Line.
