ABP acquires 41-acre site to boost UK exports

The acquisition of Eling Wharf follows strong trade at Southampton and is expected to secure local employment and support British businesses.

ABP Southampton director Alastair Welch said: “Our investment is designed to enhance facilities available to British businesses and exporters looking to grow trade in international markets.

“We are working hard to ensure the Port continues to deliver the best possible service for our customers, maintaining its position as the nation’s gateway to the world.”

40bn of exports are handled by Southampton every year, including 90% destined for countries outside the EU. Total trade handled by the port is worth around GB£75bn.

The port has benefitted from more than GB£280m of investment over the past five years, including more than GB£50m in new vehicle export facilities. This has helped it become a major centre for automotive exports, providing British manufacturers with access to international markets.

In 2017, Southampton said it was visited number of mega-ships, with more supersized vessels expected this year.

The port is also home to the UK’s second largest container terminal and last year handled more than 1m containers.