Port operator Associated British Ports expects 2018 to be another record-breaking year at the Port of Southampton, following on from the success of 2017.
Last year saw the largest vessels in the world coming to Southampton — such as the 20,568 TEU Milan Maersk — and more than one million containers handled by the port.
This year will see even larger mega-ships visiting, according to the port operator.
“This is set to be another important year for the port. Across automotive, cruise, containers and bulks we are anticipating another record-breaking year,” Alastair Welch, ABP Southampton Director, commented, adding that the port operator will be spending an average of GBP 75,000 (USD 101,000) a day on the port’s infrastructure.
The Port of Southampton is the UK’s number one export port, handling GBP 40 billion of exports every year. The total trade handled by the port is worth some GBP 75 billion.
The port is also home to the UK’s second largest container terminal and each year handles around one million containers.
Over the past five years, GBP 280 million was invested in port facilities, including more than GBP 50 million in new vehicle export facilities. The port recently opened its newest vehicle terminal.
In addition, the port has over 500 cruise calls each year bringing 2 million passengers. It also hosts some 3 million ferry passengers travelling to and from the Isle of Wight.