ABP Marine Pilot explaining the Marine Pilot role.
The Port of Southampton opened its gates to the local community, inviting over 300 residents for a behind-the-scenes tour.
ABP Southampton organised the tour for one day during the Easter holidays. It featured a look back at the Port's maritime history, explanations of current operations, a Q&A session with a marine pilot, and a coach tour around the site.
Since the foundation stone in the Eastern Docks was first laid in 1838, the Port has expanded to accommodate larger vessels and continues to support UK trade. Spanning over 700 acres, it is a major maritime hub known for container handling, vehicle processing, and cruise operations. The Port serves as a significant economic driver for both Southampton and the UK.
Alastair Welch, Regional Director for the Port, said: "Most people who have grown up in Southampton know the Port but may not have had the chance to see things first hand. We wanted to show them inside the gates to witness the hustle and bustle of our Port. I am proud to work here and proud of the City’s maritime history. The tour was a great opportunity to share that rich history with the local community."
The Port of Southampton processes £71 billion worth of manufactured goods annually, welcomes the world's largest vessels, and supports over 15,000 jobs within the Solent area.
Local volunteer tour guides from See Southampton assisted with the event alongside ABP employees, while the Culture and Tourism Services at Southampton City Council provided several images used for the port history information boards.
Cllr Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: “The port is a huge and vital part of the history of Southampton and the future prosperity of the city. It has shaped who we are as a city-region and contributes significantly on the national and international stage. I’m delighted that local residents have had the opportunity to get behind the scenes at ABP and experience its complexity and role in Southampton’s maritime history whilst drawing on the heritage collections managed by the Cultural teams within the Council and the passion and commitment of See Southampton Guides.”
Jack Wilson, one of the founders of See Southampton’s Cruise Welcome Team said, “We have been working very successfully with ABP for over ten years, welcoming passengers to the City from cruise liners calling in for the day. So, we were delighted to be asked by them to help with this important initiative, opening the Port up to local people, and celebrating the importance of the Port to the City’s rich heritage. We all very much look forward to helping with future events of this kind"
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