Felixstowe in Suffolk is the busiest container port in the UK and the sixth largest in Europe. Over 40% of the UK’s import and export trade passes through this port. A workforce of almost 3,000 people ensures the smooth running of the loading and unloading of over 4,000 ships each year. Imports from the far east — particularly China — account for over 50% of the container volume.
The photograph shows the port’s location on the northern bank of the River Orwell, close to the mouth of the river. It is only 3km from the sea, giving good access to other ports in Europe and beyond. The port is sheltered from the worst of the North Sea gales and has very deep water and a small tidal range, meaning that the largest vessels can dock and not be stranded at low tide.
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