Feature, Freight News, Sea


Portico investment pays off as demand surges

[ November 5, 2026   //   ]

Portsmouth cargo handling and logistics operator Portico Shipping is reporting strong demand following the completion of quayside expansion works supported by £12m of funding from Solent Freeport and Portsmouth City Council.

The investment has increased Portico’s capacity to handle a wider range of cargos, including renewable energy, major infrastructure projects, construction and battery storage. The expanded facilities provide additional space and flexibility for customers importing and exporting goods through Portsmouth for nationwide projects.

It offers extensive storage capacity and heavy-lift capabilities with an estimated 2.9m tonnes of goods managed at the international port site.

The newly expanded Albert Johnson Quay offers 17,000sq m of reinforced concrete and has been built to handle the heaviest project cargo, following previous investment in handling equipment such as reach stackers and forklift trucks.

Portico Shipping chief executive Steve Williams, said: “Portico has been expanding rapidly in answer to an increase in new trade into the UK. Our newly expanded quayside can comfortably handle a variety of goods from heavy duty plant to equipment used by renewable companies, materials for major infrastructure projects and battery energy storage.

“We have the machinery to lift up to 250 tonnes and have over 17,000sq m of space, we are best placed for industry to trust us with looking after their goods.

“Our flexible approach means we have been able to adapt to the changes in trade and provide our customers with the best service.”

Tags: