Veteran executive Chris Lewis has been reappointed as chef executive of Hutchison Ports in a bid to sort out mounting problems at Felixstowe's container port.

Mr Lewis previously worked at the Port Felixstowe between1983 and 2010, where he became chief executive in 2006, before leaving in 2010 to become managing director of rival DP World Southampton,

He retired in early 2019 but is currently a non-executive director at haulier Maritime Transport, a role he may have to give up as he now reports to Chinese-owned Hutchison Ports executive director Clemence Cheng.

Mr Cheng said: "Over the past 10 years Chris has held MD/CEO positions at Southampton and London Gateway, and has a proven track record in delivering high levels of productivity and customer service using a teamwork approach.

"Chris will report to me in my capacity as managing director and division head of Hutchison Ports Europe and will strengthen my management team, allowing me to spend more time to focus on other division and group matters, including our expansion in Abu Qir, Egypt and Quebec, Canada.

"I have no doubt Chris will have all your support and please join me in wishing him every success."

His appointment has been broadly welcomes as the port has come under fire of late by hauliers for a variety of reasons. Nub News reported last week how Felixstowe had been described as a shambles due to delays. Now, ocean carriers are introducing port congestion surcharges for shippers using Felixstowe.

"Chris Lewis could turn up in a full clown suit and still do a better job than his predecessor," David Perfect, MD of Thurrock-based haulier Perfect Haulage, told industry magazine Loadstar.