Felixstowe South Reconfiguration
Felixstowe, Suffolk, UK · 2008–Ongoing (Phase 1 completed, further phases market-dependent)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe project was approved after a public inquiry, highlighting the importance of thorough environmental impact assessments and public consultation. - The reconfiguration aimed to maximize the port's capacity and efficiency for container handling. - The use of advanced dredging and reclamation techniques to create new land and deep-water access.
Key engineering challenges
Constructing a new deep-water quay and container handling area within an existing, busy port environment. - Extensive dredging and reclamation works in a sensitive estuarial system (Stour and Orwell estuary). - Managing environmental impacts and obtaining approvals through public inquiry processes. - Phased development dependent on market demand, requiring flexible engineering solutions.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Hutchison Ports (Port of Felixstowe)
- Lead contractor
- Costain (Phase 1 main contractor), Boskalis (dredging and reclamation)
- Lead designers
- —
- Project type
- upgrade | new build
- Scale
- 730m new deep water quay; 200,000 m² container handling area; 3,000,000m³ reclamation; 750,000m³ capital dredging
- Disciplines
- Marine; Civil; Geotechnical; Environmental; Dredging
- Standards & frameworks
- UK port development regulations, environmental protection legislation, relevant British Standards.
Sources: Boskalis: PROJECT SHEET (https://boskalis.com/media/kalcbpok/uk_-_felixstowesouthrecon.pdf) - Keller UK: Felixstowe South Reconfiguration, Phase 1 (https://www.keller.co.uk/projects/felixstowe-south-reconfiguration-phase-1) - Port of Felixstowe: History of Port of Felixstowe (https://www.portoffelixstowe.co.uk/about/history/) - Maritime Journal: Felixstowe South Port Reconfiguration Approved (https://www.maritimejournal.com/felixstowe-south-port-reconfiguration-approved/473842.article) - The Construction Index: Felixstowe 'Giant' Moves Forward (https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/felixstowe-giant-moves-forward)