Bristol wins approval for 1.5 million TEU box terminal

BRITISH Transport Minister Sadiq Khan announced approval of a GBP500 million (US$748.6 million) deep sea container terminal at Avonmouth Dock, near the port of Bristol which will accommodate ultra large container ships (ULCS) with an expected annual throughput of 1.5 million-TEU through its expanded 16 metre draught.

"The ports sector plays a vital role in our national economy, with the vast majority of goods arriving in or leaving the UK through one of our ports," said Mr Khan, reported BBC News.

The Bristol ports authority is hoping the development will take three to four years to build with a starting date on hold until the recession eases but is estimated to bring in 1,700 jobs at the port and in associated business.

Bristol Ports Company CEO Simon Bird said by 2030 the facility's capacity is expected to increase to 20 million TEU. "This project is based on the clear economic advantages of our location. Bristol is closer to container import distribution centres and the population than the other deep water ports - this means we can provide substantial cost savings by reducing the inland part of the journey," he said.

(Source: www.schednet.com)