Next

Previous

Snow disruption at Felixstowe affects James Kemball depot

21st January 2010

In early January prolonged periods of heavy snow, combined with severe freezing temperatures overnight resulted in severe disruption at the Port of Felixstowe.

With quayside markings obscured and dangerous icing on ladders to container handling equipment, the Port had no alternative but to close until conditions improved. The depot of James Kemball Limited, adjacent to the port perimeter, suffered similarly. Peter Noice, General Manager (Operations) said: "Through the sterling efforts of our drivers and operations staff we were able to remain poised to transfer priority export boxes to the quay as and when the port opened. Unfortunately, these periods proved both brief and infrequent. Our efforts to maintain export commitments using containers from peripheral yards were also hampered by the weather, an almost unprecedented situation."

The situation was compounded by a national shortage of road salt, some relief finally arriving with the procurement of a mechanical digger. Driver John Beckett said "Those were probably the worst conditions that I can recall in 24 years as a driver. Every vehicle movement seemed to require the digging of snow and it was certainly a very trying time. It was great to have management helping out alongside us!"

Top