SOUTHAMPTON’S container terminal has further boosted its capacity after taking delivery of six new container carriers.

DP World Southampton, which operates the container terminal at Southampton docks, has purchased brand new Kalmar straddle carriers following funding from Santander Corporate & Commercial.

The new machines are capable of undertaking twin discharge of shipping containers from beneath its cranes.

This comes as the port opened up the UK’s newest container berth as a joint venture with Associated British Ports.

The new terminal is designed to handle the largest and deepest vessels in the world including the new 18,000 container unit ships, which are currently coming into service.

It handles container ships to and from the Far East, Europe, South America and North America.

The straddle carriers move the containers to and from storage areas and the quayside.

DP World Southampton finance director Nick Loader said: “It is very important that we renew our mach-inery on a regular basis and that capacity levels are not interrupted.

“Our terminal operators are highly skilled and work hard to make sure that the competitiveness of Southampton port is retained.

“We are delighted to have a funding partner in Santander that recognises this and which has been flexible and swift in providing access to finance that will support the long-term running of the operation.”

Hamish MacDonald, relationship director for large corporates at Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: “Southampton has become a major global trading gateway with DP World Southampton at the heart of its logistical operation.

“It is a highly successful business with a strong management team and an impressive client base, and we wish it continued success for the future.”