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Activity in Britain's port sector is reaching an all time high.
Associated British Ports are reported to be stepping up the disposal of non-cargo handling assets in its 23 ports as part of a defence against a Nomura take-over.
P & O must be interested in the future of ABP too, but have just lost Tim Harris in a flurry of speculation that Lord Stirling may not be in a rush to retire.
Felixstowe's owner Hutchison, whilst watching anxiously, can't move for fear of anti-monopoly legislation, and has to content itself with getting its local boss Chris Gray elected to the Chair of the ports' association.
…and now the French appear on the horizon.
French investors have an appetite for the fundamental needs of life, liking investments in utilities and favouring British necessities like the Water Industry. What could be more necessary than seaports to an island country?
It could be that Felixstowe's concept of a minimalist port could face challenge from an invigorated competition - a score of ports shorn of their massive property investments and forced back to the core business of cargo handling.
They might even acquire a continental flavour.
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