ABP moves to Phase 3 of development at Solent Gateway 2

Associated British Ports (ABP) is about to start work on Phase 3 of work at its Solent Gateway project (Solent Gateway 2) on the UK south coast. This week it launched a non-statutory consultation, which runs from September 16 to October 13. The consultation aims to give local communities more information about the expansion. The next phase of development will see Solent Gateway expand into the northern part of the reclaimed land between Marchwood village and the town of Hythe. That land is being used to provide extra capacity for a sustainable automotive terminal. 

ABP bought the Solent Gateway site (where Marchwood Military Port is situated) in 2023 and is developing it for finished vehicle processing alongside military cargo. So far it has invested £50m ($67.5m) in its development. The port operator said while it is not putting a figure on overall investment at this early stage it could be “several hundreds of millions of pounds”. 

“The world-leading, sustainable automotive terminal we are proposing for Solent Gateway 2 would enable a partial relocation of Southampton port’s automotive activities, improved assets for customers and expansion to meet growing industry demand,” said a spokesperson for ABP. “That includes, but is certainly not limited or restricted to, Chinese EV imports and will be a benefit to the export of UK-made vehicles.” 

Last year ABP handled the import and export of 1m finished vehicles at its port UK port locations, including Southampton and the Humber, and has registered an increase in the import of Chinese-made EVs. 

Three phases of development

The 103-hectare site has multimodal port capacity and the development of the first 8.5 hectares for automotive operations is complete (Phase 1a). Phase 1b is also nearing completion and will add a further 3.6 hectares of open storage, enhancing ABP’s ability to support growing demand for finished vehicle services. 

Phase 2, which safeguards the long-term operational capability of the Falklands Jetty for both commercial and military use, is also now complete, according to ABP. The project was recognised with the Best Project Award at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Awards. 

Phase 3 will provide an additional 7 hectares of development, which ABP said will further strengthen its ability to support both commercial and military operations. “Once complete, it will offer first-class port logistics and operational infrastructure, serving both local and national businesses,” said the spokesperson for ABP. 

ABP’s commercial proposal includes infrastructure to support EVs, electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and shore power for vessels. The port operator said further assessments and technical work need to be completed before final information on capacity and services can be provided. The next stage of consultation will be in 2026. In terms of finished vehicle handling, work will be completed on road and rail links inland, and with the Phase 2 development of the Falklands Jetty at the port enabling it to handle pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) loading and unloading vehicles. 

“We’re currently exploring options for different rail paths to support the emerging proposals at Solent Gateway 2, including working with Network Rail,” said ABP’s spokesperson. “Further detail on this will be available at the statutory consultation in 2026.” 

As part of initial proposals on connectivity, ABP is currently developing the proposal for a new link road connecting the proposed terminal to the A326 road, which runs along the boundary of the site. That direct access route to the Solent Gateway facility will enable ABP to divert vehicles that currently need to drive through Marchwood village. 

ABP is also near completion of a new cycle and footpath link between the port and Marchwood village. According to the port operator this will, for the first time, provide a safe and accessible route for our staff and military personnel who walk and cycle to the port. 

ABP is also building a 28-hectare vehicle storage site at Stallingborough Interchange in the UK north-east region to support throughput at the ports of Grimsby and Immingham. The ports operator is planning to begin operations at the site in 2026 and is in discussions with existing and new partners on the build out of the scheme.