ABP Southampton - Port of Southampton

29/05/2026

We are so pleased to be able to make a £5000 donation to two scout groups on both sides of Southampton Water to promote water safety.

The donation has been made from the Port’s Weighted Heaving Line Fund, which is generated from charges issued to vessels that arrive in the port using unsafe berthing practices, including throwing mooring messenger lines weighted with heavy objects. These funds are reinvested into the local community, supporting organisations to promote safe behaviour on the water.

In recent weeks, ABP has supported the Hamble Lifeboat Service, and this latest round of funding has been awarded to two local Scout groups who regularly provide on-the-water activities.

The groups benefiting from the donations are 5th Marchwood Scout Group, who will use the funding to purchase lifejackets and kayaks and 25th Southampton (Northam) Sea Scout Group, who plan to provide additional safety equipment, including kayak spray decks to help protect young people during activities such as kayak rolling.

https://www.abports.co.uk/news-and-media/latest-news/2026/the-port-of-southampton-donates-to-local-scout-groups-to-promote-water-safety

20/05/2026

From paddleboards to yachts, and cruise vessels to container ships, Southampton Water is one of the UK’s busiest and most diverse maritime environments.

To help everyone enjoy it safely, we’ve launched the 2026 ABP Southampton Marine Leisure Guide.

Bringing together essential navigation information, local regulations and practical safety advice, the guide is designed to support both experienced and occasional water users.

As activity continues to grow across the Solent, understanding how to safely share the water has never been more important.

Click below to view the Southampton Marine Leisure Guide. https://www.southamptonvts.co.uk/yachting_leisure/marine_leisure_guide

17/05/2026

12/05/2026

Hello Mein Schiff 2!

Today, we were delighted to welcome Mein Schiff 2 to the Port of Southampton on her first visit to the port.

In keeping with maritime tradition, Harbour Master, Steve Masters, presented Captain Hilko Tjard Mahler with a plaque of Southampton Water and spent time on board exploring the vessel.

Mein Schiff 2 is one of seven new ships visiting Southampton for the first time this year, and we look forward to welcoming each of them in our traditional style during the course of our 2026 cruise season.

03/05/2026

Good luck, Southampton!

Wishing all the runners the very best today – whether you’re taking on the full or half marathon, or the 10k or 5k.

With a brand-new start line this year, beginning in the port for the first time, it promises to be a spectacular start – topped off with a Spitfire flypast. The route also takes in some of the city’s best sights, including the Itchen Bridge and St Mary’s Stadium, before finishing in the city’s green spaces at Riverside Park and the Common.

Enjoy every step!

ABP is proud to be the headline sponsor and support community running events close to our ports, helping to promote fitness and positive mental wellbeing.

01/05/2026

Have you booked your cruise?
Don’t forget to book your car parking too. For convenient, secure parking right on the port when sailing from the City Cruise or Horizon Cruise Terminal, book with ABParking and enjoy 10% off using the code below.

abparking.co.uk

30/04/2026

Last week our Next Gen Educational Outreach team had a fantastic visit to Marchwood Infant School.

Captain Barry Sadler CMMar, AFRIN, AFNI and Nicola Denbigh met a brilliantly curious group of 6–7 year olds with questions ranging from radar and weather to different types of ships — and even how much a marine pilot earns!

The teachers were so impressed they’re now planning a high‑vis walk to Marchwood Beach to see if they can spot Barry bringing a container ship into port.

Best of all, when asked who wanted to be a marine pilot one day, at least half the class put their hands straight up!

Huge thanks to Barry for inspiring the next generation.

16/04/2026

Calling all runners – we’re just two weeks away from the Southampton Marathon Festival. ABP is proud to sponsor community running events, with the Newport Half Marathon this weekend and Southampton coming up shortly after. There are still places available for Southampton and, this year, it's not just a run!

Come and experience these fantastic port cities, racing through iconic routes and picking up local highlights along the way.

It's great to be working with ReesLeisureLeisure on this event. ABP Southampton Marathon Festival Southampton Marathon 🏃‍♂️

25/03/2026

Your holiday starts at the Port of Southampton with ABParking. Park just steps from the terminal — no shuttle buses, no waiting around — and get home quicker when you return. Plus, save 10% with the code below.

23/03/2026

We are proud to support our UK and NATO naval partners, with another example of our close collaboration with the defence sector. Working with Williams ShippingShipping, watch the video of HMS Middleton being successfully refloated at the Port of Southampton.

HMS Middleton arrived onboard ROLLDOCK, a semi‑submersible heavy‑lift vessel, following a long‑term deployment in Bahrain. With her mission complete, she has now returned safely to the UK.

Video footage courtesy of Solent Sky ServicesSky Services™