SOUTHAMPTON’S port has become the fourth busiest in the UK, climbing up in national rankings after an increase in goods traffic.

New statistics released by the Department of Transport show that ABP Southampton handled 36.7 million tonnes in 2014, an increase of two per cent on the previous year, when it ranked fifth, showing continued year-on-year growth. Of the UK’s top 10 busiest ports Southampton is one of only five to see an increase in the amount of tonnage it handles.

Southampton is the UK’s number one cruise port and top car handling port. The Department of Transport’s report also reveals that Southampton handles the second highest amount of liquid bulk cargo in the UK. Liquid bulk is liquid cargo that is transported in large quantities, such as petroleum, and is the largest of the main cargo types in the UK. 187.8 million tonnes are handled at UK ports, accounting for 38 per cent of all major port traffic.

Southampton is also the second largest port in the UK for lo-lo (lift on- lift off) containers and remains one of Europe’s most efficient terminals with a significant and growing presence in the vitally important Europe / Asia and Europe / Transatlantic trade routes.

Nick Ridehalgh, Port Director ABP Southampton, said: “These latest figures, of which we are extremely proud, show encouraging year-on-year growth for ABP Port of Southampton and helps to highlight the essential role it plays in keeping Britain trading.”

ABP continues to invest heavily in order to ensure that the Port remains at the vanguard of the UK ports industry, supporting 15,000 jobs and contributing over £1 billion to the local and national economy.