Testing commences at Felixstowe’s Berths 8 & 9

The CSCL STAR, the first of five new ultra-large container ships joining the CSCL fleet in 2011 was tested at the UK’s newest container terminal during its maiden voyage from Asia. A limited number of discharge moves were performed before the vessel moved to its regular berth at the port’s Trinity Terminal to complete cargo operations.

As the first phase of the Felixstowe South development, Berths 8&9 will provide an additional 730 m of deep-water quay capable of accommodating the world’s largest container ships when it formally opens later in 2011.

David Gledhill, CEO of Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited which owns of the Port of Felixstowe, commented: “There is an increasing trend towards ultra-large container vessels on many services operating between the Far East and Europe and it is essential the UK has the right facilities to accommodate these ships. Berths 8&9 will give us that capability.