Portsmouth International Port: New carbon-neutral terminal extension reopens for community day this week

Portsmouth International Port in Wharf Road will be hosting the event this Saturday, October 7, between 10am and 4pm – showcasing the cutting-edge carbon-neutral terminal extension. It was made possible following an £11.25m investment through the government’s levelling up fund to transform the city’s tourism industry. Construction took 18 months to complete.

Fun-filled family activities have also been planned for the open day, with 30 exhibitors setting from across the maritime industry setting up exhibitions. People will get chance to climb aboard ships, go on tours around the harbour and see other vessels such as police boats up close.

Mike Sellers, port director at Portsmouth International Port said: "Our new terminal extension follows a number of significant infrastructure projects to position Portsmouth as not only one of the UK’s leading ports, but a global one too. We want to show the people of Portsmouth and the surrounding areas the results of our ambitious plans for growth, and I can't wait for them to see the new building.”

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Residents, families and staff will all be invited to enjoy an array of exhibitions from port partners. Interactive stands and behind-the-scenes access to port operations will also be on offer. Portico staff will be bringing a wide range of equipment for interactive demonstrations, with a whole host of interesting vessels and activities for children.

The new terminal offers a variety of environmental features which aim to make the port one of the most sustainable in the UK.

These features include using sea water to heat and cool the building, wind and solar technology, and internal and external living walls to help purify the air. More energy is generated from the building than it consumes, with the terminal soon going from being net carbon neutral to carbon positive.

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The first passengers aboard high-end cruise ships used the terminal for the first time in August. Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, the cabinet member responsible for the port, said: “Last year's port open day was a massive success, with over 900 people attending.

"The range of exhibitors, along with fantastic displays on the quayside made it an inspirational day out for all the family.

"I'm delighted that the port is giving the people of the city another opportunity to see the vital work they are doing in helping to boost the city's economy and showcase their impressive blueprint to reach net-zero by 2030, and become zero-emission by 2050.”

Visitors can reserve their space by visiting the Eventbrite website here. Tickets are complete free.