The MP, also Minister of State for Immigration, came to find out more about the port and how it operates as a key global gateway for British manufacturers.
She was given a tour of the port in an electric vehicle accompanied by ABP Southampton director Alastair Welch.
Caroline said: “I was very interested to hear about the work being undertaken by ABP to ensure the port continues to improve air quality and it was great to take a tour in an electric car. The port of Southampton is crucial to the success of ‘UK PLC’ and, particularly, the economy of the south of England, so I know just how important it is to support its continued prosperity.”
Director Alastair Welch said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Caroline to the port today and to be able to show her how the UK’s number one export port operates day-to-day.
“As the UK’s trading gateway to the world, we handle goods to the value of £71 billion each year and regularly welcome the world’s largest ships, some capable of carrying over 20,000 containers.”
Caroline was given a tour of the port’s Vessel Traffic Services operation room (VTS) where all shipping movements in and out of Southampton are controlled.
VTS plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of the Solent for all users large or small. ABP Southampton pilots bring in 10,000 ships a year and VTS manages 160,000 vessel movements in the Solent each year.
The port has a range of electric vehicles in use and over 50 charging points. Not only is this contributing to a more sustainable method of travel around the port but employees and visitors are also able to charge their personal vehicles for free.
