Multimillion-pound Solent Rail Terminal unveiled in Southampton

Rail and HS2 minister Huw Merriman officially opened the new Solent Rail Terminal on Wednesday, after 18 months of work.

The partnership between Associated British Ports (ABP) and Solent Stevedores strengthens Southampton's position as the UK's number one gateway for deep-sea trade, according to ABP.

This significant milestone was marked with a plaque unveiling at an event for rail freight and maritime leaders and customers at the Solent Stevedores-operated Solent Rail Terminal in the western docks.

Alastair Welch, Regional Director of ABP Southampton, Stuart Cullen, Executive Chairman of Solent Stevedores, Rail Minister Hew Merriman, Fiona Robson, Managing Director of Solent Stevedores and Mark Hooper, Rail and Containers Director (Image: ABP)

The major investment has created an 18-acre facility which has expanded the rail terminal, broadening the service offer with laden and empty container handling, storage, maintenance, and repair within a single site – a first for the port.

Features of the new site include a newly designed track layout facilitating simultaneous train arrival and departures which increases the terminal’s efficiency and extends the rail loading pad by 130 metres.

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Following the unveiling, Mr Merriman said: “The railway plays a vital role in transporting goods to and from ports across the UK, keeping the country moving and boosting economic growth.

“That’s why last year this government set an ambitious target to grow rail freight by at least 75 per cent by 2050.

“Today’s opening of the Solent Rail Terminal demonstrates the strength of the industry and its ambitions to grow, and I’m pleased that this multi-million-pound upgrade will provide the increased capacity to allow the Port of Southampton to thrive.”

The project has already won an award for Driving Rail Freight Growth at the RFG Awards last year, recognising companies that have helped boost rail freight growth and provided a benefit to the environment and economy.

Alastair Welch, Regional Director of ABP Southampton added: “This project is a great example of expanding container handling, increasing rail use, reducing reliance on HVGs, and offering new services within the port boundary.

“We are proud of our continued partnership with Solent Stevedores, supporting them on their journey to reduce carbon emissions both within their operations and across the wider port.”