The ABP Solent Gateway facility at Marchwood is ramping up its ability to support both the Ministry of Defence and the commercial sector.
The new entrance was opened by the leader of New Forest District Council, Cllr Jill Cleary.
Members of the Marchwood-based 17 Port and Maritime Regiment formed a guard of honour as Cllr Cleary cut a ribbon, watched the first vehicle use the facility, and unveiled a plaque.
The first phase of the port’s upgrade also includes 21 acres of hardstanding.
Port director Richard Parkinson said: “It will create much-needed port space in the Solent region. The demand on the other side of the water is huge, and there’s not enough space.
“We will also be creating jobs for local people, which is hugely important.”
READ MORE: ABP embarks on major redevelopment project at Marchwood port
Mr Parkinson praised the role played by Ryebridge Construction after revealing that 13,000 tonnes of building material were brought in by sea, preventing 3,800 lorry movements and avoiding the release of 307 tonnes of Co2.
He added: “I’m told it would take about 12,000 trees to offset that amount of carbon.”
The new entrance, which boasts automatic barriers and extra lanes, aims to tackle the congestion that has often been caused by vehicles waiting to access the port.
Three further phases of work are planned, with ABP hoping the scheme will be completed by the end of 2027.
READ MORE: Marchwood port operator Solent Gateway acquired by ABP
A district council report published in 2022 said: “The proposals are for the phased intensification of the port, including the construction of hardstanding for storage areas.
“Although more HGV movements will take place, the operation of the site and controls provided by proposed planning conditions will mitigate the impacts.
“Whilst significant open areas of the site will be developed, 23 hectares of land will be enhanced with new landscaping.”
In a statement issued at the time, Solent Gateway said the proposed development would modernise the port’s operations and facilities as well as creating jobs and attracting investment to the area.
It added: “These improvements will allow a wide range of cargoes and commodities to be transported through the port and stored onsite.”
Developed in 1943 to support the D-Day landings, the site was previously known as Marchwood Military Port.
In 2016 the Ministry of Defence leased the facility to Solent Gateway, a civilian operator that was partly owned by the Scottish government.
Two years ago the company was acquired by ABP, which owns Southampton docks.
