In recent years the Port of Felixstowe has been at the forefront of new methods of satisfying the changing distribution needs of importers, manufacturers and retailers across the UK.

It is some years now since the industry woke up to the fact that Ports are considerably more than just terminals where seaborne cargoes exchange their method of carriage for that of road or rail. Felixstowe led the way in the creation of a new breed of services designed at leveraging its extensive Port assets for the benefit of the shipper and cargo owner. Simply entitled ‘Port-centric Logistics’ it was not envisaged that this innovation would become the industry standard it is today, challenging much of the conventional wisdom of inland cargo movement and creating a broader approach to hinterland distribution.

This highly successful arrangement has evolved into a series of mature relationships with importers and cargo-owners, together with their third-party operators, ensuring that the very best possible supply chain solutions are specified and consistently delivered. This results in the most cost-effective options being utilised by optimising every link in the chain while, at the same time, removing any that are unnecessary.

Port-centric Logistics - integrated supply chain solutions

In direct response to the growing trend for overseas manufacturing and in conjunction with many of the Group’s port and logistics operations in countries of origin, Hutchison’s UK ports have increasingly established themselves as leaders in the field of Global Logistics. From ‘Factory Gate – Postcode Delivered’, the Group now has responsibility for a growing number of manufacturing brands all wishing to take advantage of Hutchison’s unique position. Whether it’s a full end-to-end service or simply an element of cross-docking and consolidation, a package of Managed Logistics Services can be tailored to cater for the entire needs of a cargo-owner.

Hutchison’s Port-centric Logistics - concentrating on supply-chain solutions at the very point of landing in the EU. Leveraging the advantages of a port location, offering devanning, consolidation and bonding all within the security of a policed complex, Hutchison’s ports continue to work closely with both the Shipper and Consignee. By challenging the ‘traditional model’ whole sections of the supply chain have been removed and with them,expensive and wasteful practices. Early visibility, fast tracking, elimination of demurrage and the driving down of inventory levels are just a few of the advantages to be realised from the services on offer. Multi-modal capabilities for break-bulk cargoes are also available including inbound rail distribution and next-day continental European deliveries by trailer direct from our logistics facilities.

The vast majority of warehousing is now assigned to the provision of Managed Logistics Services and in 2007 over 30,000 teu’s were routed internally for devanning, palletisation, labelling, conditioning, picking and packing for onward distribution. In recent years Hutchison Ports (UK) has successfully developed its relationships with the retail multiples and their suppliers to cater for the growing requirement for imported non-foods and general merchandise. Specialising in the handling of bonded goods, including cased wines, beers and spirits, has led to an increase in fully-managed, wet, bonded facilities at Felixstowe.

The port’s ‘wet’ bonded facilities have increased to 11,200 sq m, complimenting identical facilities developed in Thamesport in recent years and meeting the increasing demand being experienced in particular from wine producers and importers.

The Port of Felixstowe provides over 70,000 square metres of warehousing located within the HM Revenue and Customs wharf-approved area providing the cargo owner with the unique opportunity to benefit from importing containers that would otherwise be overweight for travel on UK roads.

Visibility and accountability are all-important features of any WMS (Warehouse Management System). Whether it’s a simple put-away and pick requirement or the more demanding control of duty and VAT deferment, Felixstowe’s IT systems are designed to fully accommodate the needs of its customers, whatever the cargo.