Plans for the development of the port of Felixstowe in Suffolk have been approved by the shipping minister.

The Felixstowe Dock and Harbour Company has been given permission to expand its Trinity Terminal to handle two of the largest container ships at the same time.

The expansion plans will be accompanied by measures to protect the local environment.

Shipping minister David Jamieson said: "It will make an important contribution to the UK economy."

Public inquiry

The plans to extend the quay by 270 metres were put forward in October 2000.

Mr Jamieson's decision to make a Harbour Revision Order follows a public inquiry held in May and June 2002.

Safeguards have been agreed between the Port, English Nature and the Environment Agency to protect wildlife habitats.

400 jobs

Richard Pearson, managing director of Hutchison Ports (UK) Ltd, said work should begin soon.

"We will be awarding contracts as quickly as practicable, and aim to have the quay operational within 14 months."

He added it is estimated the expansion will create an extra 400 jobs.

Felixstowe is the largest container port in the UK and the fourth largest in Europe.