Container traffic continues to grow in Southampton. Keith Hamilton reports on how the port is preparing for the hectic pre-Christmas trade

Southampton Container Terminals (SCT) is preparing for its busiest period of the year by upgrading its container handling capabilities.

The moves are aimed at increasing productivity in both the shipside and landside areas as SCT, already on course for another record throughput, gears up for the traditional autumn peak when traffic from the Far East reaches its highest levels in the lead-up to Christmas.

A further expansion of the terminal was completed earlier this year following the opening of a new pre-gate road haulage processing facility close to the terminal.

This has released land for container stacking at the former gatehouse and road haulage marshalling area. SCT managing director, Jerry Rickcord said: "Road haulage turnaround is being significantly improved following the introduction of a vehicle booking system (VBS) which was brought into service in July this year, on a trial basis, to improve the flow of hauliers through the terminal.''

Two of SCT's fleet of 11 quayside cranes have twin lift 20ft container handling capability, and are now being used for both export and import boxes.

A further three quayside cranes will be fitted with twin lift capability in the coming weeks with the aim of significantly increasing crane rates over 207 berth.

Installation and development of a Differential Global Positioning System, (DGPS), is nearing completion with 75 per cent of the straddle fleet and container

movements being tracked through the use of satellites. "We are continually refining the operation to maximise the use of our resources, and the emphasis is on making the operation as efficient as possible.

"Further improvements through intensive exploitation of systems will be introduced during 2003,'' said Mr Rickcord.

In addition, SCT has now completed the commissioning of 11 diesel electric Noell three-hi straddle carriers that are part of an order to upgrade SCT's fleet over the next two years.

Now close to completion, 205 berth, one of four deep water berths, has been strengthened to enable its depth to be increased from 12.8m to 16.0m below chart datum. Dredging to an initial depth of 15.0m will be undertaken at the beginning of 2003