The Port of Southampton has begun a further phase of planned investment to maximise quayside space to ensure the world’s largest ships can continue to call at the port.
Southampton is the UK’s number one export port and primary automotive port, handling 900,000 cars every year.
This project, costing £4.3 million, is part of an ongoing programme of investment in infrastructure and quayside facilities to ensure the Port of Southampton keeps Britain trading. The former Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) building, which historically has been a prominent feature in the port’s skyline, is being taken down along with a dry goods storage shed in the Eastern Docks.
The space generated will play a critical role in the movement and trade of High and Heavy – typically exports of farm, construction or specialist machinery and vehicles.
Once the work is complete, the largest car carriers (Ro-Ro) in the world will be able to berth in this newly created space generating further opportunities for international trade.
Regional Director for Southampton Alastair Welch said: “Continued investment around the port is essential and ensures that we stay one step ahead of adapting to our customers’ growing and changing needs.
The Port of Southampton handles £71 billion of trade every year, generating more than £2.5 billion for the economy.
This phase of investment marks the latest in a number of large-scale projects in recent years to ensure the port can continue to welcome the world’s largest container ships and cruise vessels.
