The United Kingdom’s maritime history and the significance of its merchant fleet are deeply rooted, stretching back to the 15th century. Cargo shipping became an integral part of the nation’s trade activities in the 17th century, often involving colonial partners. Consequently, the numerous ports (major seaports in the UK) have gained extensive expertise in adapting to technological advancements and industry changes.
The term “Merchant Navy” is a historical tribute to the English fleet’s sacrifices during the First World War, reflecting the vital role of merchant shipping.
The United Kingdom’s merchant fleet ranks 24th globally, showcasing its enduring importance.
The UK’s shipping industry plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economy, accounting for a substantial 95% of cargo movement and transportation. In 2019, the total cargo movement through seagoing ships amounted to a staggering 475.34 million metric tons. Nearly 65% of this cargo consists of incoming bulk traffic, containers, and liquid cargo.
These ports hold the highest shares of cargo movement in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, in the same timeframe, the figures reveal that crude oil handling amounted to 85.5 million metric tons, while trade in other oil products accounted for 76 million metric tons.
Approximately 45% of the UK’s total shipping trade takes place with its neighbouring European countries. However, it’s important to note that the peak of UK cargo handling occurred in 2008 before experiencing a slowdown in cargo trade.
Recent data from 2019 and 2020 show a modest but positive 0.8% increase in trade flow at nearly all Major Seaports in the UK, indicating the resilience and stability of the country’s maritime trade sector.
Let us look into these strategic ports who continue to play a crucial role in the UK’s trade and economic activities.
PORT OF IMMINGHAM
Immingham is the largest cargo port in the United Kingdom in terms of tonnage. It forms a port complex that includes the large Grimsby and several smaller facilities. This port complex, which also encompasses Hull and Goole, is operated by Associated British Ports (ABP). The construction of the port began in the early 1900s, with primary cargo operations commencing in 1957. Immingham’s harbour area alone covers over 55.2 hectares.
Cargo Handling:
Immingham is a major player in the UK’s maritime trade, consistently handling over 50 million metric tons of cargo. In 2019, Immingham handled a staggering 54 million metric tons of cargo. Of this total, 74% was attributed to import trades. However, the figures from 2020 show a decline in cargo operations, with an overall handling of 48 million metric tons. Liquid bulk cargo constitutes nearly 70% of Immingham’s total trade, making it one of the UK’s two largest oil cargo ports, alongside London.
Network and Layout:
Immingham enjoys direct connectivity with major destinations in the European Union, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The port complex created by Immingham, Grimsby, Hull, and Goole generates approximately 10,500 job opportunities. Vessel draughts at Immingham range from 14.5 to 17.5 meters, accommodating a wide range of ships. The port operates 240 freight movements through rail and locomotive services every week, further enhancing its role as a crucial hub for cargo transportation.
PORT OF FELIXSTOWE
Felixstowe ranks as the 9th busiest port facility in Europe and is a significant player in the United Kingdom’s shipping industry. This expansive port covers an area of 33.83 square kilometres and boasts a total of 10 berths dedicated to container operations. Its origins date back to the late 1700s, with the port facility itself established in 1875.
Cargo Handling:
Felixstowe plays a vital role in the UK’s maritime trade, particularly in container handling. Over the past five years, it has averaged 3.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) for container operations. In 2020, the port handled an impressive 25.8 million metric tons of cargo, with 65% of this being imports. This reflects Felixstowe’s crucial role as a hub for inbound finished goods trading in the UK.
The port is equipped with a total of 22 movable gantry cranes with a unique tire design for mobility. These mega cranes at Felixstowe have the world’s largest lifting capacity, capable of hoisting over 70 metric tons at a time. Each crane has a maximum outreach of 62 meters and weighs approximately 2000 metric tons.
Network and Layout:
Felixstowe’s extensive operations require a large workforce, with over 3,500 employees and an additional 2,500 personnel for internal handling. The port is well-connected by rail, with over 11,000 meters of railway length and three terminals supporting 72 rail calls each day.
In addition to its operational capabilities, Felixstowe is at the forefront of technological innovation. The facility has explored the use of 5G connections for security and surveillance purposes. Furthermore, it is among the select few ports in the UK to handle the traffic of super container vessels, further solidifying its importance in the global shipping network.
PORT OF TEES
The port of Tees, located on the banks of the River Tees, encompasses a sprawling 490-acre area, making it one of the largest and most significant ports in the United Kingdom. It primarily serves inland traffic and ranks as the third-largest port in the UK.
Cargo operations at the Tees port commenced in 1965, and it has since become a prominent player in the country’s maritime industry. The port witnesses an impressive 6,000 vessel arrivals annually and has attracted substantial investments totalling £1 billion through PD Ports over the past decade.
Cargo Handling:
Tees employs a cutting-edge uni-feeder design for efficiently handling bulk cargo and ores, contributing to its capability to manage over 56 million metric tons of cargo each year. Dry bulk cargo constitutes more than 73% of the port’s total operations, with additional handling of steel, petroleum, and container goods. Notably, the port receives an average of 8.5 million metric tons of iron ore through its deep-sea bulk terminals.
Tees boasts an average draught of 17.5 meters, allowing the simultaneous handling of large Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOCs). The facility is equipped with eight gantries and two container berths to manage shipments of over one million metric tons of steel.
Network and Layout:
The Tees container terminal network is divided into two nodes, featuring lengths of 294 and 360 meters, catering to container traffic. Additionally, the Dawson Wharf specialises in handling 400,000 metric tons of bulk goods, while the roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) facility manages 100,000 vehicles. The port handles significant incoming ro-ro vessel traffic from the North Sea, enhancing its overall capacity and importance in the region.
PORT OF LONDON
The port of London, with its roots tracing back to the 1st century as a significant trading port, has evolved into a thriving modern maritime hub. Maritime trading activities in London gained prominence in the mid-1800s. Today, London ranks as the second-largest port facility in the United Kingdom by tonnage, following Immingham. Its strategic location on the banks of the River Thames positions it as a gateway for substantial sea-going traffic from the North Sea. Over the past decade, the port has consistently achieved an annual turnover of £4 billion, underlining its critical role in the UK’s maritime trade.
Cargo Handling:
London is one of two ports in the UK that handled 54 million metric tons of cargo in 2019. However, the port experienced a 4% decline in its cargo trade in 2020. It boasts a total of 30 berths catering to sea-going vessels of various sizes, with an average draught for vessel traffic of 17.5 meters. An impressive 82% of London Port’s total trade comprises inbound dry bulk, liquid cargo, and container vessels. The maximum quay length at the port extends to around 655 meters, with an average depth of 15.5 meters.
Network and Layout:
The port enjoys a well-connected inland water network that contributes to 60% of the vessel traffic in the region. The facility employs a workforce of over 45,000 individuals, encompassing roles related to surveillance, cargo operations, and handling. Additionally, it provides access to the national freight-handling rail network, further enhancing its logistical capabilities and significance in the region.
PORT OF LIVERPOOL
The Port of Liverpool is a vast and interconnected facility boasting 43 docks that span over a length of 12 kilometres. This extensive port complex is divided into two main components: Liverpool Port 1 and Liverpool Port 2, each with distinct features and historical backgrounds.
Liverpool 1: Liverpool Port 1, also known as the Royal Seaforth Container Terminal, is the older of the two. It has a rich history dating back to the early 1700s and is renowned as the oldest container terminal in the UK. Notably, Liverpool 1 was the first commercial dock to feature an enclosed design for its operations.
Liverpool 2: Liverpool Port 2 represents a new investment venture in the port complex. An impressive investment of £400 million by Peel Ports aims to position this facility as the largest container terminal globally. This expansion project is a testament to Liverpool’s ongoing growth and significance as a major port.
Cargo Handling:
The Port of Liverpool currently handles over 75,000 TEUs with more than 60 sea-going vessel arrivals. The total tonnage handled at the port amounts to 34 million metric tons, with approximately 75% of this comprising inward movement of container goods. To facilitate efficient operations, the terminal has incorporated 22 mega CRMG (Cranes Rail Mounted Gantry) cranes designed to handle the largest vessels. Furthermore, there are 30 existing cranes with a maximum container capacity of 45 metric tons that operate around the clock.
The port offers 30 berths with a maximum draught of 11.6 meters to accommodate various vessels. Additionally, it boasts a giant floating crane, with a substantial lifting capacity of 250 metric tons, making it one of the key ports in the UK.
Network and Layout:
The Merseyside facility boasts an extensive rail network spanning over 150 kilometres for cargo handling and transportation. Furthermore, the port complex features a cruise network that includes passenger embarkation stoppages, enhancing its role in facilitating passenger cruises. The Liverpool 2 expansion project encompasses broader and deeper sea lines, solidifying its position as a major player among UK port operators.
PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN
The Port of Milford Haven stands as a pioneer in the realm of renewable energy, with a commitment to green port work standards, marking it as the first UK port facility to embrace this environmentally responsible concept.
Historically, the port’s origins date back to the late 18th century, with records of its establishment extending from 1790 onwards. However, its commercial cargo operations took root in the early 1900s.
As the largest Welsh harbor for commercial shipping operations, the Port of Milford Haven plays a vital role in the region’s maritime trade. With an impressive annual turnover of £28.1 million, it ranks among the UK’s most profitable commercial ports.
Cargo Handling:
The port boasts a significant infrastructure, featuring 21 berths with an average depth of 15.5 meters and a maximum depth of 22 meters. Notably, the handling of liquefied natural gas (LNG) takes place exclusively at the Dragon and South Hook terminals within the port.
The Port of Milford Haven handles an average of 34 million metric tons of cargo, positioning it as the third-largest port in the UK in terms of tonnage. Furthermore, 31.9% of these cargo operations are outward-bound, making a substantial contribution to the Welsh economy.
As of 2020, an impressive 85% of gas consumption in Wales is facilitated through the Milford Haven port. The port’s cargo handling operations encompass bulk cargo and utilize the monopile platform structure along with 7,000 TEU modular baskets.
Network and Layout:
The port complex maintains a dedicated workforce of 195 employees throughout the year, ensuring smooth and efficient operations. Leveraging automation and camera viewing systems, the facility achieves rapid operation rates, enhancing overall efficiency. The layout provides a maximum quay length of 65 meters, further facilitating cargo handling and port operations.
PORT OF SOUTHAMPTON
The Port of Southampton, operated by Associated British Ports (ABP), is a significant and modern port facility that has been serving both passenger and cargo operations for the past 51 years.
With an impressive annual traffic count of 500 to 650 cruise vessels carrying 2 million passengers, Southampton is a bustling hub for passenger travel. The port’s cargo operations contribute £4.5 million annually, while its passenger terminals generate £2.0 million.
Within ABP’s portfolio of 21 small and large ports in the UK, Southampton ranks 7th in terms of financial performance.
Cargo Handling:
Southampton port consistently handles an annual cargo volume ranging from 33 to 35 million metric tons. Notably, it is one of the UK’s leading ports for exports, with an outward flow accounting for 36 to 40% of its total cargo operations.
The port stands as the foremost automobile handling facility in the UK, receiving 900,000 units annually. It features a maximum quay length for sea-going vessels of 290 meters and an alongside draught of 14.6 meters, ensuring efficient cargo handling.
Cargo operations occur across five central berths and a total of 45 berths of varying sizes. Southampton ranks second in the UK for container handling capacity, successfully managing 1.9 million TEUs annually.
Network and Layout:
Southampton port is supported by a dedicated workforce of over 45,000 employees, encompassing various functions, including traffic management, network operations, cargo handling, and safety operations. The layout of the port covers 585 acres, which includes the Western Docks, facilitating efficient cargo handling. This spacious layout allows for up to four simultaneous container vessel handling operations, further enhancing the port’s operational efficiency.