Port of Southampton

The council is continuing to work with The Port of Southampton to reduce emissions from their activities.

In 2019 Associated British Ports adopted their ‘Cleaner Air For Southampton’ strategy which included a package of proposals to accelerate improvements in air quality around the UK’s number one automotive and cruise port. In 2023, ABP updated their strategy highlighting some of the key progress they’ve made including:

  • Installing Shore-side power at two terminals which compatible ships can now plug into, meaning they don’t have to use engines when hotelling
  • Delivering longer sidings at a rail terminal to increase capacity for containers and strengthening their rail offering for customers
  • Introducing a vehicle booking system green charge on older trucks
  • Re-routing traffic through Dock Gate 20 on busy cruise days to minimise the impact on roads leading into the City Centre
  • Upgrading over half of their fleet to electric vehicles

The Port are now looking to grow their shore power facilities over the coming years amongst other measures.

ABP’s full Cleaner Air for Southampton update is available at ABP - Cleaner Air for Southampton.