HPUK recognises the importance of the natural and human environment in undertaking any development. As the reconfiguration of existing facilities, the Felixstowe South reconfiguration represents the best opportunity to create additional deep-water container capacity at the UK’s largest container port with the least impact on the environment. The Port of Felixstowe already has the deepest approach channel of any container port in the UK, at 14.5 metres below Chart Datum.

HPUK has an ongoing commitment to find a balance between the needs of industry and those of its neighbours, and ensures that any project is undertaken with due consideration to the environmental effects. The Port of Felixstowe is proud of its environmental record, and since 1988 has undertaken more environmental programmes than any other port in the UK:-

• The Port fully funded the development of the Trimley Nature Reserve, now recognised as one of the most important sites for breeding birds in the country. The 84-hectare Reserve contains a freshwater lake, three lagoons, a new bridleway and a spread of reed beds and meadows. The Port continues to contribute to the Reserve’s management costs by Suffolk Wildlife Trust
  
  
• The Port, in conjunction with the Harwich Haven Authority, created 16.5 hectares of new inter-tidal habitat, including mudflats and salt marsh, along the River Orwell at Trimley Marsh, providing another valuable resource for juvenile fish, birds and other wildlife
  
  
• The boundary of the Port has been landscaped and planted with 250,000 trees to enhance the amenity of the local community
  
  
• The Port worked closely with Harwich Haven Authority to improve sea defences and coastal erosion by beneficial use of dredging material from the deepening of the channel in March 2000. This has enabled the creation of new underwater habitats for oysters and lobsters
  
  
• The John Bradfield Viewing Area, adjoining the Port’s Landguard Terminal, was provided by the Port in 1992, and has become one of the most popular places for local people and visitors to the Suffolk coast. A new larger Viewing Area is being included in the plans for the reconfiguration
  
  
• The Port is a key stakeholder in the Landguard Forum, a partnership of landowners, managers and interest groups, aimed at encouraging the effective management of the whole Landguard Peninsula

Direct employment at the terminal will develop over time with the proposed expansion of berths and operations. It is expected that, by 2015, when all four berths are operational and the terminal is fully staffed, an additional 621 direct jobs will have been created. There will also be an estimated 860 additional jobs arising from associated activity and multiplier effects elsewhere in the area.