Port of Southampton

Ideally located on the south coast close to major shipping lanes linking the UK to European and global markets, Southampton is Britain’s Gateway to the World. The port is the UK’s number one hub for deep sea trade and a critical link in supply chains serving businesses and manufacturers throughout the nation.

General Directions 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ABP Port of Southampton has now issued General Directions applicable to the Port of Southampton Statutory Harbour Authority Area. Directions are issued under article 5 of the Port of Southampton Harbour Revision Order 2025.

 The final version of the new General Directions can be viewed at the following link. 

Alternatively, a copy can be inspected at Ocean Gate, Atlantic Way, Southampton, SO14 3QN in reception between Monday-Friday 0900-1600hrs 

Additional General Directions Consultation

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ABP Port of Southampton has begun a 6-week consultation, to consult upon two new proposed additions to the current version of the General Directions.

The two new General Directions are: 

General Direction 13 - Operational AIS

General Directions 14 - Dockside Emergency Ladders

No other changes to the exisitng General Directions are being proposed in this update. The draft version of the proposed General Directions can be viewed at the following link (all proposed additions are shown in red text) 

Consultation Duration

This consultation is now open for 6 weeks and will close on 8th August 2025.

Responses to this consultation

Responses to the consultation should be sent so that they are recieved no later than the closing date detailed above. Responses may be submitted by the following two methods: 

     A. By Post: Harbour Master, Associated British Ports, Ocean Gate, Atlantic Way, Southampton, SO14 3QN

     B. By email: HMSouthampton@abports.co.uk (Please include "Consultation response to LNtMs 71" in the subject line)

RNLI Safety Checks 

The Royal National Lifeboat Instituition (RNLI) has teamed up with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), HM Coastguard and Irish Sailing to produce checklists to boost users' skills and help them prepare for the new boating season. Sarah Pennicard, of the RNLI Water Safety Team, said  " We always want people to enjour our coastline, but things can quickly go wrong at sea, which is why its important to be prepared. By keeping our essential checklists onboard, youll be reducing the risks of incidents occuring or increasing in severity" 

To download the free checklists and for more information visit: RNLI.org/boostskills