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GeneralSouthampton is one of the UK s busiest and most important ports, and a principal driver in the regional economy. It handles in excess of 42 million tonnes of cargo annually or around seven per cent of the UK s entire seaborne trade and is the main gateway for Far East imports. Its natural deep-water harbour, unique double tide and sophisticated Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) allow the port to welcome the world s largest vessels, from deep-sea container ships to cruise giants. Equipped to handle any type of cargo, Southampton is a leading car-handling port, home to the UK s second largest container terminal (DP World Southampton) and the sole UK port for all Canary Islands fresh-produce imports. The port is also widely recognised as the capital of the country s cruise industry, and each year more and more cruise liners take advantage of Southampton s superb cruise terminals. Ro-Ro Its superb facilities, handling experience and excellent transport connections make the port an increasingly popular location for ro-ro traffic, especially in the burgeoning deep-sea car trade. One of the UK s leading ports for vehicle imports and exports, Southampton handles over 664,000 vehicles each year, with the total trade value of its vehicle business estimated at £6bn. Southampton is highly experienced in handling all sizes of vessel and cargo, including heavy-wheeled vehicles. Regular deep-sea and short-sea services by all major ro-ro lines serve Australasia, the Far East, the Middle East, Africa, USA and South America, as well as the Mediterranean and mainland Europe. A wide range of car manufacturers ship vehicles through Southampton, including Renault, Ford, Land Rover, Jaguar, Toyota and BMW, and the port is Honda s UK export hub. The 80 ha of dedicated vehicle storage and distribution compounds are rail-connected to receive regular specialist car trains, and have adjacent deep-water berthing that accommodates all sizes of ro-ro vessel and ramp configuration at any state of tide. ABP has invested over £8m in two multi-deck car terminals Southampton International Vehicle Terminal and Empress Terminal the only ones of their kind in the UK, with a combined storage capacity of 5,200 vehicles. The port s value-added services, including pre-delivery inspections and vehicle-enhancement work, are invaluable to customers. A third multi-deck is currently being constructed in the Eastern Docks.
Doug Morrison Port Director
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