Southampton shipping channel dredge approved

The channel will be up to 100 metres wide in places to allow the largest ships to pass side by side

Southampton's shipping lane is being expanded to allow the largest ships in the world to visit the port.

Associated British Ports has secured approval from the Marine Management Organisation to deepen and widen the shipping channel along a 25 mile route.

It will allow ships carrying 12,500 containers to enter the port and larger oil tankers to reach Fawley refinery.

About 23 million tonnes of material will be removed and dumped in deep water south of the Isle of Wight.

The deeper shipping lane will be up to 100 metres wide in places to allow the vessels to pass side by side.

It will extend from Southampton to the east of the island.

The work in the shipping channel follows approval in December for the port to dredge and widen its moorings at Marchwood to make it easier for larger container vessels to pass and turn around.