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# Record-breaking ship makes history at Port of Felixstowe
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/record-breaking-ship-makes-history-at-port-of-felixstowe/
- Published: 2024-12-05T08:56:25.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:28:20.000Z
- Description: The deepest draught vessel ever to visit a UK port has successfully docked at Felixstowe, following a £130 million channel deepening project.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Business, #article, Port of Felixstowe, Harwich Haven Authority, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters:** The arrival of the Elenoire container ship marks a significant milestone for UK shipping capabilities and reinforces Felixstowe's position as a key international trade gateway.

**The big picture:** The successful docking demonstrates how recent infrastructure investments are allowing the Port of Felixstowe to accommodate the world's largest vessels. Felixstowe, which handles more than 40% of the UK's containerised goods, is now the only UK port capable of receiving ships with a 17-metre draught.

![MSC Elenoire docking at the Port of Felixstowe](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1733388400-msc-elenoire-2.jpg)

MSC Elenoire is the deepest draught vessel ever to visit a UK port (Harwich Haven Authority)

**By the numbers:**

- Ship's draught: 17.1 metres
- Channel deepening investment: £130 million
- Channel depth increased from 14.5 metres to 16.0 metres

**What they're saying:** William Barker, Marine Director and Harbour Master at Harwich Haven Authority, said: "No other port in the UK has the depth of water to accommodate vessels with a draught of 17 metres."

"I couldn't be more proud of what we have achieved and I am very lucky to lead such a great team of people," he added.

**Behind the scenes:** The vessel arrived from Tanjung Pelapas, Malaysia, under the guidance of Harwich Haven Authority's specialist pilots and support teams.

**Wider context:** The success comes as MSC and Hapag-Lloyd recently announced their decision to move their Asia-North Europe routes from Felixstowe to London Gateway, potentially highlighting a growing infrastructure gap between Suffolk and Essex, with business leaders, experts and campaigners warning that the Port of Felixstowe's future depends on urgent infrastructure improvements.

**The bottom line:** The record-breaking arrival positions Felixstowe as a leading European trade hub, capable of handling the next generation of mega-ships.

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