Before you export and import in the United Kingdom, make sure you can identify the ideal shipping ports to use. Here, we will give you detailed information about these ports and other things you need to expect.
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International trades have been one of the integral pillars of the United Kingdom economy, as well in other parts of Europe. Countries all over the world import and export products to the UK on a daily basis.
Sea ports in the UK play a vital role in these transactions. Hence, it is essential that you can learn more about these ports so that you can ship products and cargos as seamlessly as possible.
UK Imports & Exports Overview
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Based on the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), the United Kingdom was the fifth economy in the world in terms of GDP in 2020. Meanwhile, it ranked eleventh in total exports, fourth in total imports, and twenty-fourth in terms of GDP per capita in the same year.
According to CEIC Data, the Container Port Throughput was at 8,690,000 TEUs in December 2020. This figure is a significant decrease from the previous data of 10,200,000 TEUs in December 2019. The reduction is due to the effects of COVID-19 brought to the shipping economy.
Meanwhile, the top exports in the United Kingdom are cars, packaged medicaments, gas turbines, and gold. On the other hand, its top imports are gold, cars, broadcasting equipment, packaged medicaments, and crude petroleum.
UK Shipping Ports: A Full List
There are five major ports situated in the United Kingdom, and some of them are considered to have international importance. Specifically, the major ports in the country are the following:
Top UK Shipping Ports
- Port of Felixstowe
- Port of Southampton
- Port of Liverpool
- Port of London
- Port of Harwich
- Port of Boston
- Port of Tilbury
- Port of Tyne South Shields
- Port of Sheerness
- Port of Milford Haven
For those who are looking to ship cargo from China to any of these ports in the United Kingdom, we recommend that you acquire the service of a reputable freight forwarder UK
Port of Felixstowe
Image Source: Port of Felixstowe
As mentioned, the Port of Felixstowe is one of the biggest ports in Europe. It is currently operated by Hutchison Ports, which is a subsidiary of Hutchison Holdings Ltd. Every year, over 3,000 ships and vessels dock at the port. Opened in 1875, the port continuously developed its infrastructures and support services. Currently, it handles up to 4 million TEUs annually.
Basic Information
- Port code – GBFXT
- Port size – 8,360 acres (3,383 hectares)
- Port address – Tomline House, The Dock, Felixstowe, IP11 3SY
- Main cargo/vessel type – Container ship, sailing vessel, Ro-Ro cargo, and passenger vessels
- TEUs – 3.86 million TEUs
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This port is also located in an area with an extensive sea depth. It is also close to the open sea, which is vital for welcoming large cargo vessels. The port is in proximity to the primary European shipping lanes in the Hamburg-Le Havre area. Moreover, it is also connected to over 400 ports in the world. Its distance to China is 11,907 nautical miles.
Learn more facts about the Port of Felixstowe.
Port of Southampton
Image Source: Port of Southampton
The Port of Southampton is a major cargo and passenger port in the United Kingdom. It is situated on England’s south coast and was opened in 1843. It follows the Pot of Felixstowe when it comes to size. Moreover, it is considered the busiest cruise terminal in the United Kingdom.
Basic Information
- Port code – GBSTN
- Port size – 210 acres (84 hectares)
- Port address – Ocean Gate Atlantic Way Southampton SO14 3QN, UK
- Main cargo/vessel type – Cargo ship, tanker, dredger, and passenger ship
- TEUs – 1.8 million TEUs
Image Source: iStockPhoto
The key function of the Port of Southampton is vehicular storage. It is the primary shipping port for vehicles, as the majority of its space is dedicated to car storage and support infrastructure–including five multi-story parking areas. Meanwhile, its distance to China is 11,714 nautical miles.
Learn more facts about the Port of Southampton.
Port of Liverpool
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Among all the ports in the United Kingdom, the Port of Liverpool is the most strategically placed. This large-size dock system is within the United Kingdom and runs along the Brunswick Dock. Due to its location, it can cater to a variety of shipments, such as agricultural products, metals, liquid and semi-liquid bulks, and automotive.
Basic Information
- Port code – GBLIV
- Port size – 69 acres (28 hectares)
- Port address – Maritime Center Port of Liverpool L21 1LA, UK
- Main cargo/vessel type – Bulk carrier, container ship, general cargo, tanker, and sailing vessel
- TEUs – 700,000 TEUs
Image Source: iStockPhoto
Aside from being one of the major UK container ports, the Port of Liverpool also serves as a tourist attraction. It houses some of the finest classic architecture in the country, also known as the “Three Graces of Liverpool.” Its distance to China, specifically the Port of Shanghai, is about 11,831 nautical miles.
Learn more facts about the Port of Liverpool.
Port of London
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The Port of London is in England and is within the stretch of the River Thames. It was considered the largest port in the World. The port was the largest port in the United Kingdom until 2020. It is directly managed by the Port of London Authority and currently welcomes different types of cargo, Ro-Ro, and cruise liners.
Basic Information
- Port size – 2330 acres (943 hectares)
- Port address – S, Pinnacle House, 23-26 St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 8HN, United Kingdom
- Main cargo/vessel type – Pleasure craft, sailing vessel, passenger vessel, high-speed craft, and law enforcement
- TEUs – 1.8 million TEUs
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The Port of London is also considered the one of the most accessible commercial ports in the UK. It has excellent railroads and land-based transport links, enabling carriers to drop off and pick up their cargos conveniently. Meanwhile, the facilities in this port are from private operators. Its distance from China is 11,800 nautical miles.
Learn more facts about the Port of London.
Port of Harwich
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The Port of Harwich, or the Harwich International Port, is another large-size port in the United Kingdom. It is in Essex, England, specifically on the bank of River Stour. It was opened in 1883 as the Parkeston Quay. Hutchison Port Holdings acquired the ownership of this port. It also serves as a reliable port that handles small to large vessels.
Basic Information
- Port code – GBLHRW
- Port size – 105 acres (42 hectares)
- Port address – S, Pinnacle House, 23-26 St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 8HN, United Kingdom
- Main cargo/vessel type – Sailing vessel, pleasure craft, tanker, high-speed craft, and search-and-rescue vessel
- TEUs – 2,000 TEUs
Image Source: Harwich International
The primary function of this port is to dock ferry liners and freight forwarders. It even has a dedicated freight entrance for commercial transport vessels. It is also an excellent point for door-to-door deliveries due to its extensive road connections throughout the United Kingdom. Its distance from China is 11,907 nautical miles.
Learn more facts about the Port of Harwich.
Port of Boston
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The Port of Boston is situated on the East Coast of England but serves most of the entire United Kingdom, such as the North East, North West, and West Midlands. This port’s facilities are widely available for different cargo, regardless if the destination is local or international.
Basic Information
- Port code – GBBOS
- Port size – 500 acres (202 hectares)
- Port address – Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 6BN, United Kingdom
- Main cargo/vessel type – General cargo, inland, and motor freighter
Image Source: American Journal of Transportation
Moreover, the Boston Port is a tidal structure, allowing it to accommodate up to 120 LOA vessels. Currently, there are 18,000 square meters of warehouses in the port, allowing for efficient storage and cargo management. Support infrastructures and machinery are also present in this facility. Meanwhile, its distance to China is approximately 11,884 nautical miles.
Learn more facts about the Port of Boston.
Port of Tilbury
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In the River Thames of Essex lies the Port of Tilbury. Currently, it functions as London’s primary port. At the same time, it also serves as the focal port in the United Kingdom when it comes to the importation of papers. Several facilities are also integrated into the port for handling containers, shipments, and bulk cargoes. Separate infrastructures are dedicated to automotive imports, as well.
Basic Information
- Port code – GBTIL
- Port size – 850 acres (343 hectares)
- Port address – Leslie Ford House, Tilbury Freeport, Tilbury, Essex RM18 7EH, United Kingdom
- Main cargo/vessel type – General cargo, container ship, vehicles carrier, bulk carrier, Ro-Ro cargo, and passenger’s vessels
- TEU – 300,000 TEUs
Image Source: Wikipedia
Since its opening in 1886, the port has continuously developed to become a modern international seaport. By 1992, the Forth Ports organization acquired the Tilbury Port, effectively making it a private port. Meanwhile, passenger vessels also dock in the London International Cruise Terminal, which is also located in the said port. By the way, its distance to China is 11,866 nautical miles.
Learn more facts about the Port of Tilbury.
Port of Tyne South Shields
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The Port of Tyne is touted as one of the most prolific ports in the United Kingdom. It excels in providing deep-sea shipping services and is connected to various ports throughout the five continents. This port has been in Tyne since the Roman Empire. But its progress started in the 1600s when it caused economic growth in Newcastle. Currently, it is owned and operated by the Port of Tyne Trust Port.
Basic Information
- Port code – GBTYN
- Port size – 650 acres (263 hectares)
- Port address – Maritime House, South Shields NE34 9PT, United Kingdom
- Main cargo/vessel type – Sailing vessel, pleasure craft, fishing vessel, bulk carrier, and passenger ship
- TEU – 60,000 TEUs
Image Source: PortTechnology
Today, the port manages bulk and conventional cargoes along Riverside Quay. This port also has two terminals for automotive imports. Interestingly, it submitted an application to become a freeport; however, this was rejected. Meanwhile, its distance to China is 12,158 nautical miles.
Learn more facts about the Port of Tyne South Shields.
Port of Sheerness
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Unlike other ports listed here, the Port of Sheerness is considered a small port. It is adjacent to the port of Chatham; the two constitute the London Medway cluster. The Port of Sheerness is strategically located at the mouth of the Thames Estuary and is just nearby the capital of London. Its location enables customers to access it conveniently.
Basic Information
- Port code – GBSHS
- Port size – 450 acres (182 hectares; including the Chatham port)
- Port address – Sheerness Docks, Sheerness ME12 1RS, United Kingdom
- Main cargo/vessel type – General cargo, vehicles carrier, container ship, search-and-rescue ship, and Ro-Ro cargo
Image Source: Container News
Currently, Port Sheerness is managed by the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company. It’s open to international and local shipping transactions, including imports and exports in China. Additionally, its distance to the Port of Shanghai is 11,841 nautical miles.
Learn more facts about the Port of Sheerness.
Port of Milford Haven
Image Source: MHPA
The Milford Haven Port is the premier port in the United Kingdom that is capable of handling up to 30 million tonnes of cargo every year. It has several facilities and services for transportation, energy and engineering, fishing and aquaculture, and food processing. Thousands of ships dock at this port annually, making it one of the busiest ports in the UK.
Basic Information
- Port code – GBMLF
- Port size – Unspecified
- Port address – Gorsewood Dr, Hakin, Milford Haven SA73 3EP, United Kingdom
- Main cargo/vessel type – Sailing vessel, pleasure craft, oil/chemical tanker, crude oil tanker, and LNG tanker
- TEU – 23.7 million TEUs
Image Source: MHPA
The Milford Haven Port Authority (MHPA) is the one that manages the said port. For many years already, the Port of Milford Haven has maintained an integral business portfolio, specifically on the transport of energy fuels throughout the globe. Usually, ships going from this port to Shanghai have to traverse 11,601 nautical miles.
Learn more facts about the Port of Milford Haven.
Conclusion
These are the primary shipping ports in the United Kingdom. Importers and exporters should know each of them so that they can transport their cargo in the most advantageous terms possible. Aside from these ports, you should check the following ports: Immingham, Rye Harbour, Brightlingsea, Scarborough, Grimsby, and Lowestoft.