Primary school STEM day taking place at Portsmouth International Port

Schoolchildren across Portsmouth and the Solent have an opportunity to learn all about how the port works, its sustainability goals, and to find out more about maritime careers at a primary school STEM day.

Being hosted at Portsmouth International Port, The Ocean Race STEM Experience on Wednesday 2 July, will also provide children the opportunity to experience lots of hands-on activities, and to get a tour of the port.

The event is being held in partnership with The Ocean Race Europe, which is coming to Portsmouth this summer and will feature high intensity racing that connects Europe and focuses on championing ocean health.

Cllr Nick Dorrington, Portsmouth City Council cabinet member for children, families and education, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming hundreds of children to the port, to give them a taste of what working in the marine industry involves, and hopefully spark in them an interest that will lead to successful careers in the sector.

“We’re holding the event as part of the port’s commitment to the community, and to the future generation of port operatives, pilots and marine scientists that we have right here in Portsmouth. We’re very thankful to all the partners involved in helping to run the day, without which this event wouldn’t be possible.”

Rebecca White, senior learning advisor for The Ocean Race, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to inspire young people through hands-on STEM learning that deepens their understanding of ocean literacy. By exploring real-world maritime careers, sustainable innovation, and the critical importance of ocean health, students will gain a stronger connection to the sea and the role they can play in protecting it.”

Activities on the day will include a tour of the port, LEGO experiences, learning how to be sustainable sailors, challenges on loading junk model boats, and the opportunity to get up close to port equipment and tug boats. Exhibitors include DFDS, Nviro, UTC Portsmouth, GAC, Border Force, Mary Rose Museum and Balfour Beatty.

The 2025 edition of The Ocean Race will take teams from Kiel (Germany) to Portsmouth, Cartagena (Spain) via a fly-by in Matosinhos-Porto (Portugal), Nice (France), Genova (Italy), and finish in Boka Bay, Montenegro.

The Portsmouth Ocean Live Park will be free to attend and open from 14 to 17 August at Gunwharf Quays.

Spaces are still open to schools for this free day. Anyone interested should contact Chris.Hatter@Portsmouth-Port.co.uk