In October 2000, the port applied to the government for permission to undertake this final 270m expansion of Trinity Terminal, through reclamation of a small amount of additional land in Harwich harbour.

Richard Pearson, Managing Director of Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, said the extension was of 'enormous significance' to the Port of Felixstowe, as it enables the port to berth two of the latest generation of large container vessels simultaneously, and increases annual handling capacity by 400,000 teu.

'Not only will this help to increase productivity and service levels at the port, but it will provide us with vital breathing space until we are able to progress our plans for additional capacity through the reconfiguration of Felixstowe South, and the development of Bathside Bay in Harwich, ' Mr Pearson explained.

The extension increases the total quay length at Trinity Terminal to 2,354m, making it one of Europe's longest continuous container terminal facilities.

Dredged to 15m alongside, it provides the deepest water available at the port.