Sphere
#37
2015
13
>>
orts’ importance to
globalisation is reflected
through the communities
they create, transforming
not only their immediate
surroundings, but communities that span
entire regions, countries and even the globe.
Hutchison Port Holdings Limited (HPH)
plays a key role in many of the ports that
have impacted communities around the
world. Each of these ports is unique, with
its own origins, stories and ties to the
people that surround and sustain it.
Felixstowe the port cannot be separated
from Felixstowe the town. Yantian, in
Shenzhen, China, has played a key role in
the development of the Pearl River Delta
in southern China. Panama, the nation, is
defined by the canal that is anchored by
two port cities that host HPH facilities.
Barcelona survived the rise of Atlantic
trade and steamships to become a
global leader in technology. And HPH’s
headquarters in Hong Kong impact the
global ports community with the spread of
people and technologies.
Felixstowe fidelis
The Port of Felixstowe (PFL) has played
a vital role in the defence of Great Britain
and its economic development. Ever
since the Roman era, the beachhead has
protected the land behind it. It was crucial
to defending Britain in 1667 when Dutch
invaders failed to overcome the English at
the local Landguard Fort.
The modern incarnation of Felixstowe
originated as a trading dock in 1886. The
military took control between 1914 and
1918, when the Felixstowe dock was used
as a base for warships. In the Second
World War, it was requisitioned for Motor
Torpedo Boats.
Civilisation has its origins in ports. Since man has had
goods to trade, he has moved them by sea. In ancient times,
communities sprang up around these trade centres and ports
became the lifeblood of towns, then later, cities.
