Crane Commissioning Ceremony Lifts Feeder Operations into Action at Southampton Container Terminals

Southampton Container Terminals Ltd (SCT) feeder berth operations took a step closer to completion today (Thursday 2 November 2006) when its 100-tonne mobile harbour crane was officially commissioned by Robert Woods, CBE, Chairman, SCT.

The quayside ceremony took place on berth 203 and was witnessed by representatives from SCT, major shipping lines as well as feeder operators and members of the local port community.

During the ceremony, Robert Woods, said:

“I am delighted to be part of this exciting development.  SCT is keen to grow the number of feeder services operating here and the mobile harbour crane is a clear sign that it has the equipment capability as well as the commitment to take this forward.   It is good to see so many of SCT’s customers and stakeholders here to support and share in this occasion too.”

Patrick Walters, Managing Director, SCT, added:

“This is an important step in growing the volume of feeder services operating from Southampton and represents an investment by SCT in excess of £1.8 million.  In using berth 203 for feeder vessels, SCT can maximise the use of existing deep-water berths for deep-sea vessels.  I very much look forward to watching this element of SCT’s business grow.”

Berth 203, which is adjacent to the current four deep-water berths at SCT, will be able to accommodate feeder vessels of up to 150 m long.  The dedicated 100-tonne mobile harbour crane can be operated on a 24-hour, 7 days a week basis.

Notes to Editors

1. DP World Southampton is the UK's second largest container terminal.
2. In 2007, DP World Southampton handled 1.9 million TEU - a 26% increase compared to 2006 (1.5 million TEU).
3. DP World is one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world, with 44 terminals and 13 new developments across 28 countries.
4. In 2007, DP World handled more than 43.3 million TEU across its portfolio - an increase of 18% on 2006.

As at 1 March 2008