The latest statistics from consultants Arup show that the port contributes £990 million to the UK economy every year, including £714 million for the Solent region. They also show that the port supports 14,730 jobs. The report confirms that ABP Port of Southampton has retained its position as the UK’s number one cruise port, welcoming 1.7 million passengers in 2013 – more than any other cruise port in the UK. Southampton has also been recognised as the number one cruise turnaround port in Europe. Over the past five years ABP has invested over £100 million to help drive growth and secure jobs in Southampton. Its investment for the future is continuing and over the next five years ABP plans to spend a further £150 million to develop the port. This investment will increase the port’s contribution to the UK economy by an estimated £437 million every year.
Clive Thomas, ABP Southampton’s Port Manager, said: “These latest figures, of which we are extremely proud, underline yet again the vital contribution made to the regional and national economy by the Port of Southampton. Not only does it support thousands of jobs in the Solent region but thousands more across the country. “Our cruise operation continues to grow, both in scale but in our reputation for customer service, and we are now the leading turnaround cruise port in Europe. Not only that, the port really is a critical part of the UK supply chain and an essential cog in the machine of the UK economy.” The Port of Southampton is the fourth largest port in the UK and the leading port for car handling, with the latest figures showing the port handled 745,000 vehicles last year, two thirds of which were for export. It is Europe’s most efficient container port, and handled 26 million tonnes of commodities in 2013.
Southampton is one of 21 UK ports owned by ABP. Nationally, the company contributed £5.6 billion to the UK economy in 2012 and a quarter of UK seaborne trade passes through its statutory harbour areas.
ABP plans to invest £837 million of capital and operational investment over the next five years, which will add an extra £1.7 billion to the UK economy every year.