Port’s new terminal extension on show at upcoming open day
On Saturday 7 October from 10am-4pm, Portsmouth International Port will be opening up its doors once again for a community open day, including their new carbon-neutral terminal extension.
Following the success of the 2022 port open day, the local community, staff and their families are invited to enjoy an array of exhibitions from port partners, interactive stands and behind-the-scenes access to port operations.
Open from 10am – 4pm on Saturday 7 October, the open day will be a chance for the public to experience the port’s innovative net carbon neutral terminal extension, made possible through £11.25m of Levelling Up funding to transform the city’s visitor economy.
Cutting-edge environmental engineering has been at the forefront of the terminal development plans. Environmental features include using sea water to heat and cool the building, wind and solar technology, and internal and external living walls to help purify the air. All the elements combined means the building will generate more energy than it consumes, eventually moving from net carbon neutral to becoming what’s known as carbon positive.
The open day will also celebrate the dedication of their staff and those of the port’s partners, alongside showcasing what the maritime industry does for Portsmouth, maritime employment, and also efforts to protect the maritime and port environment.
Portico will again be bringing a wide range of their impressive cargo handling equipment over to the port for an interactive demonstration. There will be stands from the port’s partners, a range of interesting vessels alongside and also activities for the kids. Refreshments will be available from the port’s cafe, Ceanos.
Mike Sellers, port director at Portsmouth International Port said:
“Our new terminal extension follows a number of significant infrastructure projects to position Portsmouth as not only one of the UK’s leading ports, but a global one too. We want to show the people of Portsmouth and the surrounding areas the results of our ambitious plans for growth, and I can’t wait for them to see the new building.
“Investment in green initiatives means we hope to facilitate many more well-paid jobs in the sector for people in the region, along with making a positive contribution to the local environment.”
Portsmouth City Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for the port, Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson added:
“Last year’s port open day was a massive success, with over 900 people attending. The range of exhibitors, along with fantastic displays on the quayside made it an inspirational day out for all the family.
“I’m delighted that the port is giving the people of the city another opportunity to see the vital work they are doing in helping to boost the city’s economy and showcase their impressive blueprint to reach net-zero by 2030, and become zero-emission by 2050”.
Visitors are asked to reserve their place by visiting Eventbrite, and booking a free ticket to attend the event here.
Getting to the port
Visitors to the open day are asked to walk, cycle, use public transport, a Beryl Bike or a Voi e-scooter to reach the port if possible. If you are driving to the open day, we recommend using Portsmouth’s Park and Ride service which stops at the port. You can also use the multi-storey car park at the port. See the port’s website for full options.