Port of Southampton: Britain’s Gateway to the World
The Port of Southampton is one of the UK’s most important and busiest ports, serving as a vital gateway for global trade, cruise travel, and vehicle logistics. Operated by Associated British Ports (ABP), it is the UK’s:
– Largest vehicle export port
– Second-largest container terminal
– Europe’s Leading turnaround cruise port
Strategic Location & World-Class Access
Located just 20 nautical miles from key international shipping lanes and under 100 nautical miles from mainland Europe, Southampton offers unrivalled access to global markets. Its unique double tides and deep-water access allow the world’s largest vessels to dock with ease, 24/7.
Automotive Import and Export
Handling around 500,000 vehicles annually, the port features over 100 hectares of dedicated storage and distribution space. With capacity for 50,000 vehicles at any one time, it offers value-added services such as:
– Pre-delivery inspections
– Seamless import/export processing
Europe’s Premier Cruise Port
Southampton welcomes around 3 million cruise passengers each year through five modern cruise terminals, including the Horizon Cruise Terminal– home to the UK’s first shore power facility for cruise ships. The innovation helps reduce emissions and supports greener cruising.
The port is a regular stop for top cruise lines including:
– Cunard
– P&O Cruises
– Royal Caribbean
– MSC Cruises
– Disney Cruise Line
– Norwegian Cruise Line
– And many more
Driving the UK Economy
The Port of Southampton is a major economic engine, contributing:
– 45,600 jobs
– £2.5 billion to the nation’s economy every year
It is at the heart of supply chains supporting manufacturers and businesses throughout Britain, including in sectors such as automotive where the port supports 11,700 jobs in the West Midlands alone.
Redbridge Tax Site
The ABP Redbridge Tax Site is 12 hectares of prime land ready for adjacent to DP World’s deep-sea container terminal in the heart of the Port of Southampton’s thriving Western Docks. It offers businesses a brilliant opportunity to create bespoke facilities of up to 600,000 sq ft. There is immediate access to two on-site rail freight terminals, with 23 container trains providing direct rail links to the national railway network.
It is in close proximity to the M27 and M3 with connectivity to London, the Midlands and the North. There is existing power connectivity, with BREEAM ‘excellent’ developments.