Five Major Container Ports in the UK

The UK's ports are vital links in global supply chains, supporting both import and export activities and serving as crucial gateways for trade.

1. Port of Felixstowe (GBFXT)

As the largest container port in the UK and tenth busiest port in Europe, the Port of Felixstowe handles nearly half of the nation's container traffic, making it essential for trade.

• Location: Located in the eastern part of England, near the town of Felixstowe in Suffolk, this port sits on the North Sea and provides deep-water access for large vessels.
• Annual Container Throughput: 3.3 million TEU in 2023 (Lloyd's List).
• Key Commodities: Consumer goods, machinery, food.

2. Port of Southampton (GBSOU)

The Port of Southampton is a major gateway for UK imports, particularly from Asia, and plays a crucial role in passenger ferry services.

• Location: Situated on the southern coast of England, near the city of Southampton, the port is located on the Solent, which separates the mainland from the Isle of Wight.
• Annual Container Throughput: 1.8 million TEU in 2023 (Lloyd's List).‍
• Annual Dry Bulk Cargo Volume: 1.3 million tons in 2021 (Logistics Manager)‍
• Key Commodities: Vehicles, consumer goods, food products.

3. Port of London (GBLON)

The Port of London, with its rich history, remains an important trading hub with extensive connections to Europe and the global market.

• Location: Located in southeastern England along the River Thames, the port spans several boroughs, including Greenwich and Tower Hamlets, and is a vital part of London's economy.
• Annual Container Throughput: 3.2 million TEU in 2023 (Lloyd's List).‍
• Annual Cargo Volume: 51.6 million tons in 2023, including containerized cargo (Port of London Authority)‍
• Key Commodities: Oil, grain, building materials.

4. Port of Liverpool (GBLIV)

The Port of Liverpool is crucial for trade with the Americas and Ireland, historically serving as a key gateway for transatlantic shipping.

• Location: Situated in northwestern England, the port is located on the Mersey River, close to the city of Liverpool, and connects to the Irish Sea.
• Annual Container Throughput: 900,000 TEU (Brookes Bell).
• Key Commodities: Chemicals, textiles, foodstuffs.

5. Port of Immingham (GBIMM)

The Port of Immingham is the UK's largest port by tonnage, handling significant volumes of both bulk and container cargo.

• Location: Located in North East Lincolnshire on the south bank of the Humber Estuary, the port serves as a key industrial hub for the region.
• Annual Cargo Volume: 46 million metric tons of cargo annually (Associated British Ports).
• Key Commodities: Petroleum, coal, metals.