Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe has become the first port in the UK to handle over 1 million TEU by rail in a single year.

The one millionth unit was loaded today (13 December 2017) onto the 13:34 Freightliner service to Birmingham.

Commenting on the achievement, Clemence Cheng, Executive Director, Hutchison Ports and CEO of the Port of Felixstowe, said:

“This new milestone for the port reflects the dedication of our workforce and the excellent relationships we have developed with all the rail freight operators at the port. Rail is an increasingly important differentiator for shipping lines as well as importers and exporters and we are able to offer them a greater number of rail services to more destinations, more often, than any other port.

“Rail is also a key factor in reducing the environmental impact of transport and helps reduce road congestion. We are continuing to invest heavily in rail infrastructure at Felixstowe and are currently working with Network Rail on capacity enhancements to the Felixstowe Branch Line.”

Adam Cunliffe, UK Managing Director of Freightliner Group, added:

“We would like to congratulate the Port of Felixstowe on this achievement. As a reliable, efficient and sustainable method of distribution demand for intermodal rail freight continues to grow. The Port of Felixstowe plays a vital role in delivering a broad network of rail services to all major UK conurbations. We look forward to continuing to work with Felixstowe to further grow the movement of containers by rail.”

There are a total of 66 freight train movements at the Port of Felixstowe making it the UK’s busiest intermodal rail freight terminal. In addition to Freightliner, services are offered by GB Railfreight and DB Cargo to a range of destinations including Glasgow, Manchester, Trafford Park, Liverpool, Leeds, Teesport, Birmingham, Doncaster, Rotherham, Hams Hall, Daventry, Wakefield, Ditton (Widnes), Birch Coppice and Bristol.

END

Notes to Editors:

For further information, please contact Paul Davey, Head of Corporate Affairs, on Tel No: +44 (0)1394 602063 or E-mail daveyps@hpuk.co.uk / www.portoffelixstowe.co.uk

Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe is strategically located on the UK’s southeast coast and within easy reach of major ports in North West continental Europe. As the UK's first purpose-built container-handling facility, we are the largest and busiest container port in the country. With three rail terminals, it also has the busiest and biggest intermodal rail freight facility in the UK. The latest phase of development, Berths 8&9, provides additional deep-water capacity for the world’s largest container ships.

Port of Felixstowe is a member of Hutchison Ports, the port and related services division of CK Hutchison Holdings Limited (CK Hutchison). Hutchison Ports is the world’s leading port investor, developer and operator with a network of port operations in 51 ports spanning 26 countries throughout Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Americas and Australasia. Over the years, Hutchison Ports has expanded into other logistics and transportation-related businesses, including cruise ship terminals, airport operations, distribution centres, rail services and ship repair facilities.