£12m port expansion set to boost trade through Portsmouth
Albert Johnson Quay will accommodate heavier cargo and support expanding industries
Portico has unveiled a £12m quayside expansion at Portsmouth International Port, which is expected to help “unlock new opportunities for trade”.
The local cargo handling and logistics operator, has reported strong demand following the completion of the expansion, supported by funding from Solent Freeport and Portsmouth City Council.
The investment has increased capacity at the port, supporting a wider range of cargo and industries, including renewable energy, major infrastructure projects, construction and battery storage.
The newly expanded Albert Johnson Quay is designed to handle the “heaviest project cargo”.
Steve Williams, chief executive of Portico Shipping, said the investment responds “to an increase in new trade into the UK”.
“Our newly expanded quayside can comfortably handle a variety of goods from heavy duty plant to equipment used by renewable companies, materials for major infrastructure projects and battery energy storage.
“We have the machinery to lift up to 250 tonnes and have over 17,000 square feet of space, we are best placed for industry to trust us with looking after their goods.
“Our flexible approach means we have been able to adapt to the changes in trade and provide our customers with the best service. We are proud to be experts in cargo handling and have availability for urgent requests.
“This funding by Solent Freeport and our owners, Portsmouth City Council, recognises how important we are to the UK’s import market, with £7.5bn worth of trade coming through Portsmouth International Port, for which we are responsible for a significant amount.”
Portsmouth International Port is owned by Portsmouth City Council and is one of the few publicly owned ports in the country.
Councillor Steve Pitt, leader of the council, said: “This is crucial investment for one of the city’s major contributors to the UK economy, and a significant local employer with over 230 staff from the Portsmouth area.
“This funding from Solent Freeport demonstrates the investment in the city’s maritime and marine industry, with support from the council through a loan it is our sign of commitment to the company as a vital organisation.”
He added that the better Portico does, the better the council does, as it receives around £9m annually from profit shares, which is then spent on “council services that everyone in Portsmouth benefits from”.
“A lot of the things that other councils have cut still exist here because of the international port.”
The project was funded through £4.8m from Solent Freeport’s SEED fund, a £2.23m loan from Portsmouth City Council and a £7m investment from Portico.
Brian Johnson, chair of Solent Freeport, said: “This investment is a great example of Solent Freeport delivering tangible benefits for businesses, the regional economy and the UK’s trading capabilities.
“By supporting the expansion of Portico’s quayside facilities, we are helping to unlock new opportunities for trade, attract business and strengthen the infrastructure that industries across the country depend on.
“It’s particularly encouraging to see this investment supporting sectors such as renewable energy and major infrastructure, while reinforcing Portsmouth’s position as a vital gateway for international trade.
“Working with partners like Portsmouth City Council and Portico, we’re turning the ambitions of Solent Freeport into real investment on the ground, creating the conditions for long-term economic growth across the Solent and beyond.”