Artistic impression sketch of Solent Gateway 2. This is indicative and based on our emerging proposals.
Story so far
Since the first evidence of a port settlement in Southampton nearly two thousand years ago, our journey across both trade and military operations has been one of growth and evolution.
From being the third largest port in England during the Middle Ages, to embracing low carbon technologies and welcoming the world’s largest ships today, the port has always been an ever-present part of our local area, as shown here:
Medieval times
Eling Wharf has been in use since medieval times for shipbuilding - and was once used by Henry I for an expedition to Normandy.
1840s
Opening of the Eastern Docks.
1890s
Opening of Empress Dock, the deepest of its type in the country.
1928
Husband’s Shipyard moved to Marchwood and built wooden minesweepers during World War 2.
1930s
Opening of Western Docks and reclamation of Dibden Bay.
1943
Opening of Marchwood Military Port - with the port going on to play a proud and important part in the D-Day landings.
1969
The first container berth opens, the first of its kind in the UK.
1990s
Deepening of channel and modernisation of the container terminal to accommodate larger vessels.
2000s
Multi-deck car storage and cruise terminal construction.
2010s
Deepening of berths to accommodate the world’s largest ships and investment in low carbon technologies.
2010 - 2020s
Continuous investment in cruise infrastructure and sustainable technology, including solar and shore power, supports Southampton’s position as Northern Europe's number one cruise port.
2023
Development of Solent Gateway, creating 30 acres of new operational space and improving 24 hectares of land within the New Forest for environmental gain.
2025
Non-statutory consultation for Solent Gateway 2.
2026
Next stage of consultation for Solent Gateway 2.
We believe Solent Gateway 2 is the logical next step in this two-thousand-year journey of port development and expansion and would help us continue to meet demand and deliver economic growth for the UK, as well as realising real benefits for the New Forest and Southampton, long into the future. This new capacity would allow us to grow our operations in line with this demand sustainably and responsibly.
Our current operations at Solent Gateway will continue to play a vital role in supporting the UK armed forces.
