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Is this competition for Felixstowe?
Yes.
Is this unexpected?
No, this particular development has been widely discussed since January see Thames Revitalised. The rejuvenation of shipping on the Thames has been expected for many years.
Is it big?
Yes, the plans are massive.
How big?
To put the figures in perspective, Felixstowe is as big as its next five competitors. This new port will be twice the size of Felixstowe.
Is there enough trade for all?
Not at the moment. It would need a massive and unexpected increase in world trade to keep all the proposed facilities busy.
Can Felixstowe compete?
For a while, perhaps. In the long run - no.
So the situation is serious?
Yes, especially for the people of Felixstowe and Suffolk generally.
Why?
Felixstowe, its prosperity and pleasant lifestyle are totally dependant on a successful port. Declining trade, often caused by competition between ports, would create an industrial wasteland.
Why haven't we heard more about this?
Felixstowe has been engaged in a desperate, and largely secret, battle to stay so far ahead of the rest that competition could not catch-up. Hutchison even bought Thamesport the previous competition, no doubt partly to protect Felixstowe.
They can't buy P&O and Shell so easily.
Why is Shell, P&O and the River Thames so formidable a combination?
Shell is, of course, a major international player and it owns the site (which is a good one).
P&O are one of the most powerful worldwide port businesses (as is Hutchison too), but P&O have the advantage of being previous owners of Felixstowe. They know all the strengths and weaknesses.
The River Thames is the number one location in the UK. It is absolutely correctly positioned. Felixstowe is not, and never has been.
They also have something even more powerful on their side. The environment. The development of Shell Haven will give a net environmental gain to the UK.
You knew this was coming, Pat, didn't you?
Oh yes, I've known for 30 years that Felixstowe's maritime prosperity was built on sand, and I've worried about it for just as long. Two years ago I decided that it was in the best interests of the people, in an area that I'm very fond of, to speak out. If you doubt that; read the articles, especially Felixstowe - Past
That hasn't made you popular?
No. Half of Felixstowe won't talk to me. The other half are too scared to.
Why is everyone else playing it down?
Partly a defence mechanism, partly human nature I expect.
Can anything be done?
Possibly, but not by refusing to acknowledge the problem or by trying to trivialise it.
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