
The Port of Hull is a major player in the UK's shipping and export industry. It handles over 1 million containers every year.
Located on the Humber Estuary, the port is strategically positioned to serve the North of England and Scotland. The port's proximity to the Humber Bridge makes it an ideal hub for trade.
The Port of Hull has a long history dating back to the 18th century. It has undergone significant developments over the years to meet the growing demands of the industry.
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Port Operations
The Port of Hull is a hub for coal trade, with 4,000,000 tons received annually.
Its strategic location near the coalfields of Yorkshire and the network of canals, rivers, and railroads makes it an ideal place for receiving and distributing coal.
About half of the coal received in Hull is consumed locally, while the other half is exported to the continent and South America.
Coal exports from the three Humber River ports, including Hull, are rapidly increasing, with a promising total of nearly 6,000,000 tons in 1906.
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Rail and Ferry Services

The Port of Hull has a range of rail and ferry services available. You can get directions to the Hull Ferry Terminal, which is located at King George Dock, Hedon Road, Kingston-upon-Hull, HU9 5PR.
The terminal is served by two ferry routes: Rotterdam Europoort–Hull and Zeebrugge–Hull, both operated by P&O Ferries.
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Junction
The Junction Dock was constructed between the Old and Humber Docks, connecting them and making the old town of Hull an island.
It was designed by James Walker with Thomas Thorton and later John Timperley as resident engineer, and the construction cost £186,000.
The dock walls were similar in design to those of Humber Dock, with inverted, arched bottoms, and the locks were also similar.
A leak during the construction of the northern lock caused a significant collapse of the Old dock wall, but it was repaired using piling.
The dock closed in 1968, but part of it still exists without a lock connection to Humber Dock.
Railway
The Railway Dock was a smaller dock compared to the other town docks, measuring approximately 716 by 165 feet.
It was constructed at a cost of £106,000 and opened on 3 December 1846.
The Railway Dock's primary purpose was for the transfer of goods to and from the newly built Hull and Selby Railway.
Railway lines ran from the goods shed to the Humber Dock, which was connected to the Railway Dock on the west side.
The Railway Dock closed in 1968 and later became part of Hull Marina in 1984.
Ferry Terminal Directions
If you're planning to travel by ferry, getting to the terminal is a crucial part of the journey.
The Hull Ferry Terminal is located at King George Dock, Hedon Road, Kingston-upon-Hull, HU9 5PR.
This terminal serves two ferry routes: Rotterdam Europoort–Hull and Zeebrugge–Hull, both operated by P&O Ferries.
To help you navigate, here are the ferry routes that depart from Hull terminal:
- Rotterdam Europoort–Hull (P&O Ferries)
- Zeebrugge–Hull (P&O Ferries)
The Wilson Line

The Wilson Line of Hull is one of the largest private shipping firms in the world. It was founded by Thomas Wilson about eighty years ago and has since grown to become a leading factor in making Hull the third port in England in exports and imports.
The firm has lines running to numerous ports, including Ghent, Rouen, Liverpool, Newcastle, Marseilles, Genoa, Leghorn, Naples, and the Scandinavian and Baltic ports. New York is also a significant destination, with the line established in 1875.
The Wilson Line's fleet numbers ninety-one vessels and three tugs, with an aggregate tonnage of nearly 200,000 tons. This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering the close competition Hull has had to meet from Liverpool and Southampton.
Hull's position as a shipping port has given birth to several other notable shipping firms, including Messrs. Brown, Atkinson & Co., and G. R. Sanderson & Co.
Port Facilities and Services
The Port of Hull is a vital gateway on the UK's busiest trading estuary, the Humber. It handles approximately 10 million tonnes of cargo each year, amounting to around £12 billion in trade.
The port specializes in handling forest products and a range of bulk commodities, making it a key player in the UK's trade. It also has a team dedicated to safely delivering the highest standards of customer service.
ABP's continued investment in infrastructure, equipment, and systems ensures the Port of Hull is capable of delivering the supply chain solutions its customers need.
Facilities
The Port of Hull has an impressive array of facilities that make it a hub for trade and commerce.
The port features dry docks on both sides of the River Hull, including the largest dry dock, Hull Central Dry Dock, which is 345 feet long and has been in operation since 1843.
One of the most notable facilities is the Queen Elizabeth Dock, which was extended in 1969 and added 28 acres of reclaimed land to the south-east of the dock.
The port also has a range of services available, including handling containers, ferry travel, and Ro-Ro.
In terms of cargo handling, the port is a key gateway on the UK's busiest trading estuary, the Humber, and handles approximately 10 million tonnes of cargo each year.
Here are some key statistics about the Port of Hull's cargo handling capabilities:
The port is also home to the UK's first fully-enclosed cargo-handling facility for weather-sensitive cargoes such as steel and bagged products.
The port supports 12,000 jobs and contributes over £800 million to the economy every year, making it a vital part of the local community.
Ferry Port Car Parks
When traveling by ferry, it's essential to know where to park your car. For passengers heading from Hull to Rotterdam Europoort, you can park in the multi-storey car park.
Ferry port car parks can be a bit confusing, but it's good to know that at Hull Ferry Port, there are designated car parks for different routes. Those traveling to Zeebrugge use the 3 open air car parks in front of the terminal building.
Parking fees apply at Hull Ferry Terminals, and you should budget £6.00 per night for parking. Please note that prices may be subject to change, so it's a good idea to check before your trip.
Green Port
A Green Port is a game-changer for the environment and the local community. It's a port facility that incorporates sustainable practices and technologies to reduce its ecological footprint.
The Green Port concept emphasizes the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This can be seen in the example of the Port of Rotterdam, which has implemented a large-scale solar panel system to power its operations.
Green Ports also prioritize waste reduction and recycling, often implementing advanced waste management systems to minimize waste sent to landfills. The Port of Singapore, for instance, has implemented a comprehensive waste management plan that includes recycling and composting programs.
By adopting sustainable practices, Green Ports can reduce their carbon emissions and contribute to a healthier environment. The Port of Barcelona has set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2050, demonstrating the commitment of Green Ports to environmental sustainability.
Green Ports also often incorporate green infrastructure, such as green roofs and walls, to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve air quality. The Port of Hamburg has implemented a green roof on one of its buildings, reducing energy consumption and improving the local environment.
Green Ports can also serve as models for sustainable urban planning, showcasing the potential for green infrastructure and sustainable practices in urban areas. The Port of Vancouver has implemented a comprehensive sustainable development plan that includes green infrastructure and community engagement.
Shipping and Trade
The Port of Hull is a bustling hub of activity, with a wide range of ships arriving and departing every day. According to recent ship arrivals, the port welcomed 15 vessels on October 10th alone, including the STOLT GREENSHANK Chemical/Oil Products Tanker, which arrived at 20:58.
One of the most interesting facts about the Port of Hull is the variety of cargo it handles. Ships in port on October 10th included the COMBI DOCK I Heavy Load Carrier, which was carrying a cargo of 17341 tonnes. The port also handles a wide range of other goods, including grain, seed, timber, and foodstuffs.
Here's a breakdown of some of the cargo handled by the Port of Hull:
The Port of Hull's diverse cargo offerings make it an important hub for trade and commerce in the region.
Recent Ship Arrivals

The STOLT GREENSHANK, a chemical/oil products tanker, arrived in Hull on October 10th at 20:58 LT.
The largest vessel to arrive in Hull on October 10th was the FLEVOBORG, a general cargo ship, measuring 155 meters in length.
Several tugs arrived in Hull on October 10th, including the SVITZER STANFORD, which arrived at 20:39 LT.
The AASTUN, an aggregates carrier, arrived in Hull on October 10th at 20:16 LT, measuring 114 meters in length.
Here are the top 5 vessels by gross tonnage (GT) that arrived in Hull on October 10th:
The SHOVETTETug, measuring 25 meters in length, arrived in Hull on October 10th at 20:26 LT.
Exports
Hull's exports are just as impressive as its imports. The city's merchants export a wide range of staples and commodities, including coal, coke, cotton and linen goods, jute goods, and woolen goods like manufacturing fabrics and yarns.
Coal and coke are major exports from Hull, making up a significant portion of the city's trade. The seafaring men of Hull have been successful in food fishing, making the Humber River one of the busiest fishing centers in the world.
The city's merchants have a long history of pioneering in various industries, including whale fishing. In fact, ships were fitted out at this port for the whale fishery as early as 1598, about half a century after the discovery of Greenland by Sir Hugh Willoughby.
The whale fishery may have been unprofitable, but it laid the groundwork for Hull's success in other areas, including food fishing. Today, the Humber River is a thriving fishing center, and Hull's exports reflect this success.
Hull's merchants export a variety of goods, including hardware, machinery, and agricultural implements. These exports are a testament to the city's rich history and its continued importance in the world of trade and commerce.
The Fishing
The Fishing Dock in Hull is a bustling hub of activity, with steam trawlers tied up two or three deep along the stone sides.
A great variety of fish is caught and brought to the dock, including cod, coalfish, plaice, witches, turbot, and occasionally soles.
The fish are auctioned off to the highest bidder, who then takes their purchase to a train of freight cars waiting to transport them to distant markets.
The business done at the dock is significant, with a staff of up to thirty operators working at the telegraph station.
Hull and Grimsby are major players in the English fishing industry, accounting for nearly 3,500,000 weight of wet fish landed out of 8,500,000 weight at all 110 ports in a twelve-month period.
The fishing industry is a vital part of the local economy, with a direct steamship service between Hull and Australia being established to facilitate trade.
Ownership and Statistics
The Port of Hull is a significant maritime hub, and understanding its ownership and statistics can provide valuable insights into its operations. The port is home to a range of facilities, including the Alexandra Dock, which has a quay length of 4,082 meters and a depth of water of 8.3 meters.

The port's dry dock facilities are also noteworthy, with the Alexandra Dock No. 1 having a net length of 139 meters and a depth of water of 5.4 meters at Mean Higher Water Spring Tides (MHWS).
Here's a breakdown of the port's key statistics:
The port's vessel acceptance dimensions also vary across its facilities, with the King George & Queen Elizabeth Docks having a length of 199.0 meters and a beam of 25.5 meters.
Company
Our company is privately held, which means we don't have to answer to any public shareholders. This allows us to focus on long-term growth and innovation.
We were founded in 2010 by a group of entrepreneurs who wanted to create a more efficient and effective way of doing business. The company has since grown to become a leading provider of services in our industry.
Our headquarters is located in a major city, where we have a large team of employees working on various projects. We also have offices in several other locations around the world.
We've made significant investments in technology and infrastructure, which has enabled us to improve our operations and increase our capacity. This has allowed us to take on more clients and projects, and expand our services.
Our company culture is built around collaboration, innovation, and customer satisfaction. We're committed to delivering high-quality services and building long-term relationships with our clients.
Ownership (1922–)
The Hull and Barnsley Railway became part of the North Eastern Railway in 1922, making the docks in Hull the responsibility of a single company once again.
In 1923, the Railways Act 1921 led to the merger of the NER into the London and North Eastern Railway.
The merger of NER into the London and North Eastern Railway was a significant change in the docks' ownership.
In 1948, much of Britain's transport operations were nationalised by the Transport Act 1947 into the British Transport Commission, including the port and railway operations of the London North Eastern Railway.

The British Transport Commission took control of the docks and railway operations in 1948.
The docks were under the British Transport Commission's control until a new board was formed in 1962.
The British Transport Docks Board was formed by the Transport Act 1962, marking a change in the docks' ownership.
In 1981, the company was privatised by the Transport Act 1981, and Associated British Ports was formed.
The docks were privatised in 1981, and a new company, Associated British Ports, was established.
A tornado struck the docks in 1981, causing limited damage due to its weak intensity.
For more insights, see: Associated British Ports
Key Statistics and Berthing Info
The port facilities offer a range of berthing options for vessels of different sizes. The maximum depth of water at the Saltend Jetty No.1 and No.3 is 9.8 meters (tidal), while the King George & Queen Elizabeth Docks have a depth of 11.3 meters (impounded).
The largest vessels can be accommodated at the King George & Queen Elizabeth Docks, with a maximum length of 199.0 meters and a maximum beam of 25.5 meters. The Alexandra Dock extension has a maximum length of 122.0 meters and a maximum beam of 19.7 meters.

The maximum draft for vessels at the Alexandra Dock is 7.9 meters, while at the River Terminal 1 it's 6.5 meters. The maximum dwt for vessels at the Saltend Jetty No.1 and No.3 is 37,000, while at the King George & Queen Elizabeth Docks it's 34,000.
Here are the key statistics for each of the berthing facilities:
Joint
Joint ownership can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to collaborate on large-scale projects. The Hull Joint Dock Act 1899 was a joint agreement between the NER and the Hull and Barnsley Railway (HBR), and the Hull Dock Company.
This joint agreement led to the construction of the Hull Joint Dock, which was eventually completed in 1914. The dock was officially known as the King George Dock.
The Hull Joint Dock's extension arm, the Queen Elizabeth Dock, was opened in 1969. It shared the same lock as the King George Dock.
The dock gained a new terminal in 1993, known as River Terminal 1, which is now called Rotterdam Terminal.
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