ENGLAND's Port of Southampton has been given the go-ahead on upgrading its container terminal following government approval by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).

The expansion and dredging of berths 201 and 202, built back in 1969, is to have its depth (12 metres) and length extended to remain globally competitive and accommodate post-panamax vessels, said DP World Southampton managing director Chris Lewis, according to London's Containerisation International.

Improved infrastructure is vital and underscores Southampton's position as the first and last deep-sea port of call in northern Europe for the Far East liner services, said Mr Lewis.

"It has a sheltered location, unique double high tide, first-class road and rail links to the Midlands and market-leading service and productivity," he said.

It is hoped that the move will increase container volume which has remained flat at most UK terminals with DP World Southampton reporting a 1.3 per cent increase to 1.5 million TEU in 2011 and Felixstowe and Thamesport's combined traffic dropping 1.9 per cent to 3.7 million TEU.