Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

Answers to some common questions on the Deep Sea Container Terminal development.

Show or hide the answer What is proposed?

The creation of a Deep Water Container Terminal on a brownfeld site in Avonmouth Docks.

Show or hide the answer Why is this needed?

The port has always needed to accommodate bigger ships to survive. This was true with the creation of Avonmouth and Royal Portbury Docks. Ships are getting bigger again and Bristol needs to be able to handle them.

Show or hide the answer What are the benefits?

Bristol is significantly closer to the national container market than other container ports which will mean savings for the rail and road networks.

Show or hide the answer When would this happen?

If this proposal is agreed, construction could start in 2009/2010 and the terminal could be ready for ships about 3 to 4 years after that.

Show or hide the answer How many jobs would be created?

1800 jobs would be created and nearly 8,000 existing port related jobs will be protected.

Show or hide the answer What about the noise?

The nearest houses are over one kilometre from the quay and there will be no discernible increase in noise.

Show or hide the answer How will cargo be moved to and from the terminal?
  • Transshipment to other sea ports in ships;
  • Rail - the port has excellent rail links;
  • Road - the majority of road traffic will go north on the M5, via 400 metres of dual carriageway between the port and the motorway.
Show or hide the answer What will be the effect on traffic?

This proposal will mean an increase in traffic of less than 5% on Crowley Way. Traffic from the new warehousing and other business around Avonmouth and to the North is growing steadily. The port is advocating the opening of a new junction on the M49 to deal with traffic from those areas.

Show or hide the answer What about trains?

Trains could carry up to 40% of the cargo from the new terminal.

Show or hide the answer What about dredging?

The largest area of dredging will be adjacent to the terminal to enable ships to manoeuvre safely onto and off the quay. There will be other dredging in shallower parts of the channel. The dredged material will either be brought ashore for use in the construction process or disposed of according to the nationally agreed dredging procedures.

Show or hide the answer What will be the effect on the estuary?

The proposed terminal is on the site of a previous oil terminal. Land will also be claimed from the shore to create the quay and transit area for containers. This claimed area will be compensated for by the acquisition and management of other land on the estuary for maximum wildlife value. The remaining part of the terminal is on land that was used for the storage of petroleum products.

Show or hide the answer What happens next?

In July when the Environmental Impact Assessment is complete, we will submit an application (for a Harbour Revision Order) to the Department for Transport. People will have the opportunity to comment formally on the proposals. They may wish to record their support or to register any concerns. We hope that a decision in favour of the scheme will be made in early to mid 2009.

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