The Port of Felixstowe is the largest container port in the UK

Along with expanding the port's storage capacity, extending the quay by 270 metres will mean nine container ships will be able to dock at once.

Richard Pearson, managing director of Hutchison Port Holdings, said: "The opening of the new storage area at Trinity Terminal is good news for our customers, as it will help to increase productivity and service levels at the port.

"It will enable the port to berth more of the latest generation of large container vessels simultaneously, and will secure Felixstowe's position as a major European hub port."

An additional 1.5m containers a year would take the total number coming through Europe's fourth-largest port to five million.

In a separate project, renovation is planned for the port's viewing area.

Those plans, which are still subject to planning permission, include improved sea defences, parts of which were closed last year because of coastal erosion.

The improvements will also include more car parking, and a jetty for a ferry across the harbour.

Paul Davey, the port's corporate affairs manager, told BBC News Online the quay is expected to be fully operational next year.