Hull, United Kingdom

Port Overview

Hull, United Kingdom, is located at the confluence of the River Hull and the Humber Estuary in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The Port of Hull is one of the UK’s key east coast ports, strategically positioned for trade with Scandinavia, Northern Europe, and the Baltic states. While not among the UK’s largest container ports, Hull handles a significant volume of cargo and supports regional industry. Its annual container throughput is approximately 200,000 TEU, making it an important regional gateway for both freight and passenger traffic.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Hull’s main port facilities include King George Dock (ferry and Ro-Ro terminal), Queen Elizabeth Dock (Hull Container Terminal), and Alexandra Dock (renewables and general cargo). The port handles containers, Ro-Ro, timber, paper, and refrigerated cargo, with over 100,000 containers annually. Equipment includes modern ship-to-shore cranes, reach stackers, and forklifts. Green Port Hull supports offshore wind manufacturing. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are not currently a feature at Hull.

Container Terminals

Hull’s container terminal, operated by Associated British Ports (ABP), features two main berths and has a capacity exceeding 400,000 TEU annually. The terminal is semi-automated, utilizing modern ship-to-shore gantry cranes but not full automation. Major operators include ABP, with regular services from Samskip, iMotion, and BGF. The facility has recently expanded its storage area and handles around 12 container vessel calls per week.

Port Services

• Container handling: Hull Container Terminal offers regular container services, including refrigerated and hazardous cargo, with modern handling equipment and daily sailings to major European ports.

• Cargo operations: The port handles bulk, breakbulk, project, timber, paper, and general cargo, supported by extensive berths and specialist stevedoring services.

• Ship services: Facilities include dry docks, vessel husbandry, bunkering, and marine support for a wide range of vessel types.

• Warehousing: Over 500,000 sq ft of covered storage, cold storage, and large open storage areas are available for various cargo types.

• Customs: Full customs clearance and border control services are provided for all import and export activities.

Global Connectivity

Hull is a key UK east coast port with direct shipping routes to Rotterdam, Helsinki, and Riga, providing strong links to the Netherlands, the Baltic States, and northern Europe. It serves the Midlands, North of England, and wider British Isles via fast road connections to the M62, M18, and M1. Hull’s container and ferry services connect UK exporters and importers to major European markets, supporting efficient logistics for a wide range of cargo types.

Port Statistics

Port of Hull, United Kingdom – Key Statistics (2025):

• TEU Throughput: Approximately 200,000–250,000 TEU annually
• World Ranking: Not ranked among the world’s top 100 container ports
• Number of Berths: Over 20 commercial berths, including specialized container, Ro-Ro, and bulk facilities
• Port Area: Around 2.5 square kilometers (main dock estate)
• Shipping Lines: Served by major European short-sea operators such as DFDS, P&O Ferries, and regular feeder services connecting to Rotterdam, Zeebrugge, and other North Sea ports