Shipping giant Maersk says it will cease operations from Port of Felixstowe from next year

A major shipping giant has announced it will cease its operations from the Port of Felixstowe next year.

Maersk said it will no longer use the Suffolk-based port from February following a review of its network operations.

The firm said the London Gateway port along River Thames in Thurrock, Essex, was the most optimal port to serve its customers in the UK.

In a statement on its website, Maersk said: “This strategic decision comes as part of the ambition to reduce network complexity with mostly single operator loops and fewer port calls per service, and is aimed at enhancing reliability, reach and speed to our customers.

“Due to this change, Felixstowe will not be part of Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd’s shared Gemini network.

“The change will affect the Asia-Europe trades under the scope of the Gemini cooperation.”

The Middle East to Europe (London Gateway) and Trans-Atlantic (Southampton) Gemini services will remain unchanged as well as the rest of the firm’s operated services outside of the Gemini Cooperation.

It is unclear how many ships will not dock at the Felixstowe port.

The firm is expected to share further details over the next couple of weeks.