History of the Port
The port arguably began its commercial life over 2000 years ago with the Roman settlement of Clausentum on the shores of the River Itchen but trade expanded significantly when the first traders and merchants sold wool, wine and English cloth. French wine was imported via Watergate quay from as early as the 15th century. The modern Port was officially established on 12th October 1838 when the foundation stone was laid for the construction of a dock in Southampton set on the Solent water - this marked the beginning of what would become one of the most important ports in the UK.
Celebrating its 171st anniversary in 2009, the Port of Southampton has undergone significant changes and developments inline with the changing nature of the shipping industry and cargo handling facilities. The Port today handles in excess of 7% of UK trade by tonnage, 23% by value of UK international non-EU sea borne trade and nearly 43 million tonnes of cargo annually. 2008 saw record investment from the owners and operators of the Port, Associated British Ports (ABP) and record levels of tonnage passing through the Port. The Port has never been as busy as it is today.