Southampton Container Terminals

Southampton Container Terminals (SCT) combines the considerable natural advantages of the Port of Southampton with a commitment to customers and the provision of cutting-edge technology that ensures delivery of a service that is second to none. SCT offers 1,350 m of quay with a depth alongside of up to 15 m below chart datum, enabling it to accommodate the world's largest container vessels. With continued investment in facilities, equipment and systems, SCT is fully prepared to meet the challenge of the ever-increasing volumes on the ever-increasing container ship size. It is the only UK terminal offering receipt and delivery of containers transported by road 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

SCT offers:

Transport links: The port benefits from excellent road links connecting it with the national motorway network. A large proportion of containers is transported to or from SCT by dedicated rail services.
Worldwide destination options: SCT's customers provide services spanning the Far East between Thailand and Northern China via the Mediterranean, the Arabian Gulf and India, and have links to Australasia from Singapore. North America - including New York and Houston - and both the east and west of South America.
European transhipment and short-sea services: These cover destinations throughout Europe and the UK with direct links to Northern and Southern Ireland.
Cranage: A total of 11 gantry cranes are available, two of which were delivered at the end of 2001 in preparation for the next generation of container ships. They are capable of handling vessels stowed up to 20 wide and are among the fastest in operation at any European terminal. The cranes have greater height under the spreader to allow for higher deck stowage of containers, longer booms to cater for wider vessels and twinlift capability for more efficient cargo handling.
Innovation: SCT was the first terminal operator in the UK to introduce one-over-three straddle carriers. These enable SCT to increase the height of container storage, allowing greater utilisation of terminal land and significantly increasing the yard capacity. The latest generation of straddle carriers are equipped with satellite position systems and enhanced efficiency through the use of twin lift spreaders.
Cutting-edge technology: Information technology plays a key role in the operations. Through Community Network Services, a port information network using Internet technology enables users - from forwarding agents to shipping lines, Customs, Port Health and hauliers - to track and control the movement of cargo through the terminal. SPIN - the Southampton Port Information Network - includes Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) facilities, enabling consignment and stowage information to be exchanged with trading partners, ports and shipping lines worldwide. SCT's in-house systems team has implemented the first wide band spread spectrum radio data network for container terminal use, which allows the efficient transmission of detailed graphical operational data in a harsh radio environment. Advanced planning and control systems, using Windows NT technology, provide an effective control over all aspects of the operation.
Security: This is of paramount importance to SCT. Security staff provide protection 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and use a 64-camera CCTV system, and audio and automatic barriers to maintain the security of all personnel, cargo and equipment.
Development: A new Pre-Gate facility with hauliers using smart cards was brought into operation at the beginning of 2002. This together with a new Vehicle Booking System (VBS), which will allow hauliers to book slot times to be serviced, will improve efficiency and enhance vehicle turnaround times. Other investment includes: 25 new one-over-two straddle carriers to be commissioned during 2002/2003, Global Positioning System (GPS) fitted to the straddle carrier fleet for enhanced tracking and the quay strengthening and dredging of a second berth to below 15 m chart datum for increased flexibility and accessibility.

For more information, please contact:

Derek Smith
Southampton Container Terminals
Berths 204-207
Western Docks
Southampton SO15 1DA
Tel: +44 (0) 23 8070 1701
Fax: +44 (0) 23 8070 2565
Email Derek Smith

SCT handles a substantial quantity of containers transported to and from the terminal by rail

SCT has some of the fastest cranes in operation at any European container terminal

SCT offers 1,350m of quey with a depth alongside of up to 15m