Felixstowe

TL;DR: The UK's busiest container port — the default China-to-UK gateway, now carrying the full weight of post-Brexit customs declarations that Rotterdam-to-UK feeder traffic used to absorb.

Key specifications

Throughput and draft figures are indicative and change year to year. Confirm current figures with the port authority before relying on them.

Hinterland

England — Felixstowe serves the Midlands and the South, with rail connections into the UK distribution network.

What most guides skip

Felixstowe was a straightforward gateway before Brexit; now it is the point where the UK's separate customs regime bites. Cargo that once landed at Rotterdam and trucked or fed across to the UK now requires a UK customs declaration (and often a GB EORI) at Felixstowe, which is why post-Brexit clearance delays and demurrage at Felixstowe became a recurring story. For China-to-UK importers the practical rule is to complete the UK declaration and have a GB EORI before the vessel arrives — the days of treating the UK as a frictionless extension of the EU are over.

Key takeaways

1. The UK's busiest container port and default China-to-UK gateway.
2. Post-Brexit customs declarations are now required at the port.
3. GB EORI is mandatory for UK import clearance.
4. Serves the Midlands and South of England by rail.

Port facts are indicative and change over time. Always confirm current operational details with the relevant port authority before making commercial decisions.