The minister emphasised the importance of the UK’s biggest port, “both as the gateway for goods coming into the UK and as the port where huge volumes of our exports leave these shores".
“Britain has long been a nautical powerhouse, with the maritime sector generating well over £8bn for the economy every year. Our ports have weathered the economic storm of recent years better than many parts of the economy and I fully appreciate the importance of Felixstowe in delivering long term growth."
While at the port, Hayes also took a walk aboard the Ever Lambert, one of Evergreen’s UK-flagged vessels, docked there. “Evergreen is proud that a number of its ships fly the UK flag,” said Evergreen’s vice group chairman, Marcel Chang, who was first to welcome the minister aboard:
“This vessel, the name of which means gleaming or glowing, is one and we hope the Minister sees it as a shining example of the high standards maintained by the British Merchant Marine. We thank him for his visit.
”Clemence Cheng, ceo of Hutchison Ports UK and owner of the Port of Felixstowe, added: “We welcome the visit of The Rt Hon John Hayes, Shipping and Transport Minister, to the Port of Felixstowe. It is an honour that the minister has chosen Port of Felixstowe to board his first container vessel, which is owned and operated by our long term customer and partner, Evergreen. “We are delighted to show the Minister our facilities, where more than 40% of UK container trade passes through our port, showing him how our workforce works seamlessly with our customers and other port users to ensure efficient movement of UK trade."