UK’s ports group Associated British Ports (ABP) and UK’s terminal operator Solent Stevedores have announced a joint investment of £17.5 million (US$18.7 million) in a new container offering for deep sea shipping lines at the Port of Southampton.
ABP said the project will create a 72,840m² facility, which will connect the existing intermodal rail transport site with laden and empty container handling, storage, maintenance and repair within a single site boundary, a first for the port.
The project broke ground in the Western Docks with contractors, Ryebridge Construction, and is expected to be completed in late 2023, while the work will take place across three stages in order not to interrupt rail terminal operations.
“This investment not only enhances our containers customer offer, but it is also part of the Port of Southampton’s multimodal strategy into the future and our commitment to helping improve air quality in the local area,” commented Alastair Welch, regional director at the Port of Southampton.
The project involves several site upgrades, including the introduction of 84 reefer plug points, extending the rail loading pad by 150 metres and a new track design to allow trains to arrive and depart at the terminal independently on any of the three lines.
Stuart Cullen, executive chairman of Solent Stevedores, said, “This is a significant project for us and the latest phase of investment for the Solent Rail Terminal. We continue to upgrade and enhance our rail operations and infrastructure in partnership with the port to support the growth of cargo movement by rail and air quality initiatives.”
