The Port of Felixstowe has been named Port Operator of the Year at the annual Lloyd’s List Global Awards.

Felixstowe, which is part of Hutchison Ports, was recognised for a combination of innovation, a focus on reducing CO2, improve safety and its emphasis on rail, helping to reduce road congestion.

Eric Ip, group managing director at Hutchison Ports, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Hutchison Ports. The Port of Felixstowe is a key element in what was the first, and is still the leading, global port network.

“I would like to congratulate everyone at the Port of Felixstowe on winning this award and for helping to ensure that Hutchison Ports continues to set new standards.”

Clemence Cheng, executive director at Hutchison Ports and chief executive at the Port of Felixstowe, added: “This year we are celebrating 50 years of dedicated container handling at the Port of Felixstowe. Throughout that time we have maintained a strong focus on constant improvement in all areas of our operations.

“We have invested constantly in new equipment, systems and people to both improve efficiency and reduce our environmental impact. Mostly, however, this award is a testament to the skill and dedication of our people and shows that, 50 years on from being the UK’s first container terminal, we continue to lead the field.”

The awards, which this year celebrated their 20th anniversary, were presented at the National Maritime Museum in London during a ceremony attended by more than 400 industry professionals and hosted by BBC presenter Jeremy Vine.

Richard Meade, managing editor of Lloyd’s List, said: “The past 20 years have thrown up many different challenges for shipping. We have seen stratospheric dry bulk rates followed by an unprecedented collapse. We have suffered the resurgence of piracy and the rising threat of cyber-attacks.

“But we have, at the same time, achieved extraordinary feats of technological distinction, creating the efficient backbone of globalisation, and, I would argue, a better world in the process.”