Portsmouth’s masterplan aims to generate £739 million in ten years

Portsmouth International Port has unveiled its 20-year masterplan, with the developments expected to generate approximately £800m for the national economy by 2042 and secure over 11,000 jobs, following a £92m investment.

Global engineering and project management consultants Royal HaskoningDHV undertook detailed market analysis and extensive stakeholder engagement to forecast changes in the trade and travel industry. 

The Portsmouth International Port’s masterplan specifically targets sustainability, aiming to achieve net zero by 2030, in a bid to become one of the UK’s most environmental ports.

The Masterplan will focus on:

• expansion of port land to cater for increase in unaccompanied freight
• extension of berth to cater for ships up to 300m
• extension to 25m for ships exiting the port
• creation of out-of-city pre gate and storage facilities
• smart technology to manage cargo and passenger flow
• sustainable infrastructure to manage alternative power demands
• achieve net zero by 2030
• facilitate a new electric ferry service 
• upgrade facilities at international cargo terminal Portico
• new Border Control post
  

According to Portsmouth International Port, there will be a phased approach to projects, with the terminal building starting in spring, running alongside the green initiatives such as an immediate win providing shore power for smaller ships by the summer. The port will welcome Brittany Ferries’ Salamanca this spring, which is powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas) and emits virtually no sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide or particulate emissions.  

According to the plan, over the next ten years the local economy could see a growth of up to 89 per cent, with gross value add (GVA) at £357m, and the national economy with the same 89 per cent rise to £739m. By 2042 this will increase to £387m for local GVA and £801m nationally. 

Mike Sellers, Portsmouth International Port’s director says: “There are dramatic changes facing the ports industry over the coming years, and we want to make sure we’re in the best position to play our role as a major UK port. We have a new relationship with EU, so that means adapting to shifts in freight operations and supporting our customers Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries.

“The cruise industry is expected to continue increasing in popularity and we want to be there to provide an premium service. However, we will soon be reaching our capacity. Our masterplan identifies opportunities for crucial land, both close to the port’s boundary and beyond.

“The port is a significant contributor to the local and national economy, which is why we need to look strategically at developments to safeguard the port’s future and the value to the local community,” continues Sellers. “This is an exciting position, with our focus to become one of the most sustainable ports in the UK and a drive to deliver a premium, bespoke service for customers that share our long-term aims to provide the right alternative power sources for all ships and how we can cater for the needs of the shipping industry in an environmentally focused way.”

Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, leader of Portsmouth City Council says: “We’re proud to be the UK’s most successful municipal port and understand that to continue thriving we have to make sure we’re in the best position.

“The importance of the port is universally supported, which demonstrates how much it is valued as a vital contributor to the city. Over the coming years there will be a transformation of the port, with additional services and also the benefits from the Solent Freeport.

“This masterplan is an optimistic, but realistic vision for the future of the port, it not only protects jobs but offers the opportunity for local people to be part of this vital industry for years to come.”

Robert Courts MP, minister for maritime at the Department for Transport says: “Portsmouth has a rich, famous maritime history. As one of the oldest port towns in the country, it’s more important than ever that local residents and businesses shape the exciting future that lies ahead. I want to see more highly skilled, green maritime jobs right across the sector and today’s commitment will accelerate this vision.”

Readers can view the full masterplan on Marine Industry News.