PRESS RELEASE
The official opening of the new Solent Rail Terminal by the Minister for Rail and HS2, Huw Merriman, marked the completion of a £17.5 million partnership investment between Associated British Ports (ABP) and Solent Stevedores.
The 18-month rail upgrade project, aimed at solidifying Southampton’s position as the UK’s primary gateway for deep-sea trade, was celebrated with a plaque unveiling ceremony on March 20th at the Solent Rail Terminal in the western docks.
This significant investment has resulted in an 18-acre facility that offers laden and empty container handling, storage, maintenance, and repair services all within a single-site boundary, a first for the Port of Southampton.
The new site features an improved track layout allowing for simultaneous train arrivals and departures, extending the rail loading pad by 130m. The expanded intermodal site is now capable of handling a 71% increase in daily services and a 125% increase in the number of containers handled.
Recognized for its contribution to rail freight growth at the RFG Awards, this new offering for deep-sea shipping lines has already won an award last year. The construction work carried out by Ryebridge Construction has further enhanced the rail facilities for customers at the Port of Southampton, providing them with more options for container placement and storage.
Stuart Cullen, Executive Chairman of Solent Stevedores, expressed his excitement about the project, highlighting the positive impact it will have on intermodal transport and efficiency at the port. Alastair Welch, Regional Director of ABP Southampton, commended the partnership with Solent Stevedores in reducing carbon emissions and expanding container handling services within the port boundary.
Rail Minister Huw Merriman emphasized the importance of rail transport in supporting economic growth and the ambitious target set by the Government to grow rail freight by 75% by 2050. He praised the opening of the Solent Rail Terminal as a demonstration of the industry’s strength and growth ambitions, providing increased capacity for the Port of Southampton to prosper.
