The Major Ports of the United Kingdom

Leading Ports of the UK

When deciding which port to send sea freight through, there are multiple factors to consider. For instance, location and local infrastructure are vital to consider. Below are 10 of the UK’s leading ports and notable traits of each. Trinity Logistics is able to secure shipping sea freight through all mentioned. 

Port of London

• Global shipping routes operate from here
•  Reaches 15 million people in just a 75 mile radius
• Thames Freeport Tax and Customs benefits
• The Thames handles 60% of inland water freight, avoiding traffic. 

Felixstowe

Felixstowe is the largest container port of the United Kingdom. Based in the East coast of England, it handles almost half of the UK’s containerised trade. It is operated by Hutchinson Ports. 

• Has direct shipping routes globally
• Closest UK port to Northern Europe Shipping routes
• Freeport East tax and customs benefits
• Has largest intermodal railway terminal
• Prime connectivity for midlands hubs

Port of Southampton

• Large Container Port and Ro-Ro port
• 20 miles from global shipping routes that stop at Rotterdam
•  Global shipping routes go through Southampton
• Motorway access directly to midland hubs
•  Solent Freeport Tax and Customs benefits

Tees and Hartlepool

Based in the Nort East of England, it serves as the Northern Gateway to international trade. It is operated by PD Ports. 

• Specialised in liquid bulk cargo, with 50% of cargo going through being petrochemicals.
• Access to short sea routes that link with European deep sea hubs
• Teesside Freeport Tax and customs benefits
• Strong connectivity via rail. 

Grimsby and Immingham

Grangemouth

The largest port of Scotland, it is able to handle containerised cargo and is also specialised in liquid bulk cargo such as natural gas and oil from the North Sea. Operating from central Scotland, it primarily handles European and domestic shipping as short sea feeder and coastal lines. It is operated by Forth Ports.

• Situated within an hour of 70% of the Scottish population (including Glasgow and Edinburgh)
• Forth Green Freeport Tax and customs benefits
• Has direct rail access 
• Close proximity to Edinburgh and Glasgow Airport so can process air freight.
• Has shipping routes with Felixstowe, Rotterdam and Hamburg.  

Port of Liverpool

Located in the Northwest of England, along both sides of the River Mersey, the Port of Liverpool is the largest western port of the UK. Liverpool serves as the main hub for American trade, with 45% entering through this port. It is operated by Peel Ports. 

• Has direct shipping routes globally
• Has direct motorway access with Manchester and Leeds
• Liverpool City Region Freeport tax and customs benefits
• Has access to 10 rail terminals
• Direct shipping route for Isle of Man, Ireland and USA.
• Air freight available through nearby John Lennon Airport.
• Head office of Trinity Logistics is located here and has a close relationship with the port.  

Port of Belfast

Belfast has the largest Northern Irish Port and handles 70% of cargo entering Northern Ireland. It is operated by the Belfast Harbour Commissioners. 

• Short sea feeder routes with Europe and Liverpool. 
• Access to Belfast Airport for Air freight
• One of main hubs for trade in Ireland 
• Ro-ro facilities for trucks

Port of Dover

Located in the South East of England, Dover has the busiest ferry terminal in the UK. The port is operated by Diver Harbour Board. 

• Handles one third of UK-EU Trade
• Specialised facilities for perishable goods
• Strong Rollon-rolloff facilities
• Pallet warehousing facilities
• Prime location for ferries to Calais, Antwerp and Rotterdam.

Milford Haven

Milford Haven is the largest port in Wales. Located in Pembrokeshire, the South West of Wales, it serves as the largest energy port. It is operated by the Milford Haven Port Authority. 

• Specialised in liquid bulk cargo
• Handles 25% of UK Oil
• Handles 30% of UK Natural Gas
• Celtic Freeport Tax and Customs benefits 

For Welsh Cargo ports, Newport is the largest and Holyhead for Ro-Ro and commercial cargo.