The 15-month programme will see VolkerFitzpatrick deliver the design and construction of approximately 13 hectares of paved container yard, directly behind Berth 9. The business’ specialist paving division will carry out the paving works by utilising its own paving and concrete batching plant on-site.

VolkerFitzpatrick will also work closely with maritime civil engineering specialist and fellow VolkerWessels UK business unit, VolkerStevin, to reclaim circa 3.2 hectares of seabed behind the existing finger pier.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling, said: “This important expansion of Felixstowe continues the port’s impressive record of investment, ensuring it is well placed to make the most of trading opportunities both now and in the future.”

Clemence Cheng, CEO of the Port of Felixstowe and executive director of Hutchison Ports, said: “Berths 8 & 9 were the first berths in the UK built to accommodate the latest class of ultra-large container vessels. The creation of additional container storage will allow us to optimise container handling operations between the berth and its supporting yard and further enhance the service we offer to our customers.”

The new container yard will comprise ten container storage blocks and allow six-high stacking, further enhancing Felixstowe’s ability to handle the world’s largest container ships. The project is scheduled to complete in early 2019.