ASSOCIATED British Ports has increased its presence on the western side of Southampton Water by acquiring the civilian operator that runs Marchwood Military Port.
The move has sparked fears that ABP is planning to launch a new attempt to develop Dibden Bay, a huge area of reclaimed land that is next to the port.
Solent Gateway Ltd (SGL) has run Marchwood Military Port for the Ministry of Defence for the past seven years.
ABP says its acquisition of the company is based on delivering SGL's vision for the facility, which is part of the new Solent Freeport.
ABP's chief executive Henrik Pedersen, said: "We are hugely excited about the strategic potential this new deal brings.
"It provides additional facilities in close proximity to the Port of Southampton, which will enable us to offer more solutions to customers and strengthen the region’s place as the UK’s most important export gateway."
As reported in the Daily Echo, SGL has recently secured planning permission to redevelop parts of Marchwood Military Port.
Alastair Welch, ABP's regional director, said: "We’ll be working with the SGL team to support their approved plans. The development of the site offers more opportunities and flexibility for new and existing users."
READ MORE: Marchwood Military Port plans given the go-ahead by New Forest District Council
Richard Parkinson, SGL's port director, added: "SGL has made tremendous progress in converting Marchwood into a highly attractive commercial port full of potential.
"We are excited to embark on the next chapter of development backed by ABP."
The company sparked fury in the 1990s by applying for planning permission to build a six-berth container terminal at Dibden Bay, a 500-acre site between Marchwood and Hythe.
ABP said the £600m development was vital to the future of Southampton docks.
But the scheme was condemned by local authorities and leading conservation groups. In 2004 it was thrown out on environmental grounds after a 13-month public inquiry.
A potential new threat to Dibden Bay emerged seven years ago, when ABP published its Master Plan for 2016-2035.
Having bought Eling Wharf at Totton in 2018, ABP has now acquired the operator of Marchwood Military Port.
READ MORE: Battle of Dibden Bay 'could be fought again' after plan for container terminal is resurrected
Asked about the possible implications for Dibden Bay, Marchwood county councillor David Harrison said ABP now controlled a large amount of coastal land in the Waterside area, adding: "It's been pretty obvious to me what their intentions are."
But ABP said the military port was separate from Dibden Bay and a "very strong proposition on its own merits".
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article. Your support means we can bring you the latest breaking news, exclusive Saints features and coverage - and much more.
Digital subscribers get unrestricted access to all of our stories, our dedicated app including e-version of the newspaper, and an advertising-light website.
If you want all the latest articles delivered straight to your inbox you can join the thousands of subscribers who are signed up to our newsletters.
They include our popular daily morning news briefing, breaking news, crime and court, and Southampton FC bulletins - plus business, heritage and our what's on newsletters.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel