As a leading logistics hub, the United Kingdom is home to several major shipping ports that operate as gateways for international trade. The ports in the UK play an essential part in facilitating the efficient movement of sea freight to and from the country, connecting businesses with markets across the globe.
Major Ports in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom’s strategic location and well-developed maritime infrastructure have contributed to the foundation of several world-class ports. These UK ports handle a significant number of shipments, ranging from containerised goods to bulk commodities, functioning as vital links in global supply chains.
These are the UK’s top 5 associated British ports, all of which are members of the British Ports Association, the national trade body for ports and harbours, ranked by their handling capacity in TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units):
| Port Name | Where in the UK? | Annual Cargo (TEUs) | Annual Cargo (tonnes) | Number of berths | Port size (for cargo) | Number of employees |
| Felixstowe | East Coast | 4 million | 25.8 million | 10 | 8,400 acres | 3,500 |
| Southampton | South Coast | 1.5 million | 14 million | 5 | 210 acres | 15,000 |
| London Gateway | London | 2.4 million | 54 million | 3 | 1,500 acres | 45,000 |
| Liverpool | North West Coast | 900,000 | 34 million | 10 | 200 acres | N/A |
| Immingham | East Coast | 300,000 | 46 million | 8 | 1,230 acres | 10,500 |
Source: Bloom
Port of Felixstowe
The port of Felixstowe is Britain’s biggest and busiest port and one of the largest in Europe. Located on the east coast of England, it provides easy access to the major markets of Europe and Asia. This deep-water port has state-of-the-art facilities and handles most of the country’s containerised cargo and sea freight. With its strategic location and efficient operations, the Port of Felixstowe is a hub for international trade, connecting businesses with global markets:
- Handles over 4 million TEUs annually
- Offers direct shipping services to major ports worldwide
- Equipped with advanced container handling equipment and storage facilities
- Continuously investing in infrastructure and technology to enhance operational efficiency
The Port of Felixstowe’s world-class facilities and seamless connectivity make it an ideal choice for businesses seeking reliable and efficient logistics solutions for their goods.
Port of Southampton
The Port of Southampton, located on the south coast of England, is a major deep-water port. This multi-purpose port is the second largest container terminal and handles a diverse range of cargo, including containers, bulk commodities, and roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) traffic:
- Handles over 1.5 million TEUs of containerised cargo annually
- Specialises in handling vehicle shipping
- Offers direct shipping services to destinations worldwide
- Equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure for efficient cargo handling
- Continuously investing in sustainable practices and environmental initiatives
The Port of Southampton’s strategic location, diverse cargo handling capabilities, and commitment to sustainability make it a preferred choice for individuals and businesses looking for reliable and environmentally conscious logistics solutions.
Port of Immingham
The Port of Immingham, also situated on the east coast of England, is one of the UK’s largest ports by tonnage and a major hub for bulk cargo operations. This port handles a wide range of commodities, including coal, biomass, petroleum products, and agricultural goods:
- Handles over 46 million tonnes of cargo annually
- Specialises in handling bulk commodities and liquid bulk
- Offers dedicated terminals for various cargo types, including grain, coal, and oil
- Equipped with modern handling equipment and storage facilities
- Continuously investing in infrastructure and sustainable practices
The Port of Immingham’s strategic location, specialised facilities, and efficient operations make it an essential gateway for businesses importing and exporting bulk commodities, ensuring reliable and cost-effective logistics solutions.
Port of Liverpool
The Port of Liverpool, situated on the northwest coast of England, is a versatile ocean freight facility, handling a diverse array of cargo types. This seaport caters to the needs of businesses across various sectors:
- Handles significant volumes of containerised, bulk, and roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) cargo
- Specialises in handling project cargo, forest products, and automotive shipments
- Offers direct shipping connections to global destinations
- Modern facilities and infrastructure tailored for efficient cargo operations
- Continuously invests in sustainable practices and environmental initiatives
With its versatile capabilities, strategic location, and commitment to sustainability, the Port of Liverpool is a reliable choice for businesses looking for extensive logistics solutions in the northwest region of the UK.
Port of London
The Port of London, located along the River Thames, is a major maritime hub for the capital city and the surrounding regions. This commercial port is accessible for high sea-going traffic through the North Sea and has undergone significant modernisation, handling a diverse range of freight:
- Handles over 54 million tonnes of cargo annually
- Specialises in handling a wide range of cargo types, including containers, bulk commodities, and project cargo
- Offers dedicated terminals for various cargo types, including containers, vehicles, and construction materials
- Equipped with modern handling equipment and storage facilities
- Continuously investing in infrastructure and sustainable practices
The Port of London’s strategic location, diverse container handling capabilities, and commitment to sustainability make it an essential gateway for those operating in and around the capital, securing reliable and efficient logistics solutions.
Looking to import to the UK from ASEAN? Choose SLG Logistics
At SLG Logistics, we offer tailored logistics solutions for businesses and individuals looking to import from the UK to ASEAN countries. With our extensive expertise and diversity in handling various types of cargo, we have access to all major ports in the UK for efficient and reliable transportation of your goods.
Whether you need containerised shipments, bulk cargo handling, or specialised solutions for oversized or perishable items, our team of logistics professionals know everything about the complexities of international trade. We use our in-depth knowledge of the UK’s maritime infrastructure, customs regulations, and supply chain best practices to streamline your global operations.
At SLG Logistics, we understand the unique challenges of importing to ASEAN markets, and we are committed to ensuring that your cargo reaches its destination on time and in pristine condition. With our full range of services and dedication to customer satisfaction, we are the trusted partner for businesses seeking seamless logistics solutions between the UK and ASEAN regions. Get a free quote, or contact us today to speak to a logistics specialist.