Feature, Freight News, Sea


A whale of a time in Southampton

[ October 15, 2026   //   ]

Associated British Ports (ABP) has preserved a rare surviving piece of Britain’s D-Day heritage for future generations.

The historic ‘Whale’ bridge at Solent Gateway at the ABP-operated Marchwood military port was developed as part of the Mulberry Harbour system that supported Operation Overlord and the liberation of France in 1944. The structure is believed to have been assembled in Marchwood more than 80 years ago and now stands as a gate guarding at Marchwood, a lasting memorial to one of the Second World War’s most remarkable engineering achievements.

It is believed to be one of only two known surviving examples in England that remain above water.

The unveiling is the culmination of preservation and relocation activity by ABP that began in October 2025. After extensive studies determined that the Whale could be safely relocated, ABP successfully lifted the 28-tonne structure from its location near the Red Funnel terminal in Southampton and transported it to Marchwood. Preservation works carried out throughout 2026 have included the removal of marine growth, specialist treatment of corrosion, safe removal of historic lead paint coatings and the application of a protective finish to safeguard the structure for years to come.

Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson; Brigadier Ed Wigmore, Commander, 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade; Richard Parkinson, Port Director, ABP Solent Gateway; and Alastair Welch, Regional Director, ABP Southampton at the unveiling of the Mulberry Harbour Whale Bridge.

Photo: Andrew Sassoli-Walker

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