Southampton: ABP partnership recognised for defence work

Associated British Ports (ABP) in Southampton has received the Regional Partnership Award at the Royal Logistics Corps (RLC) Institution Awards for its collaboration with the 17 Port and Maritime Regiment of the RLC.

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ABP has worked closely with the Port and Maritime RLC through its Solent Gateway team. (Image: ABP)

Richard Parkinson, port director at Solent Gateway, said: “We are honoured to receive this recognition from the MoD.

“Our partnership with 17 Port and Maritime Regiment is built on trust, shared objectives, and a commitment to delivering one of the MoD’s critical strategic capabilities.

“We look forward to continuing this strong relationship for years to come.”

ABP has worked closely with the 17 Port and Maritime RLC since 2016, particularly through its Solent Gateway team.

Personnel from both ABP and the regiment work side by side at the Sea Mounting Centre in Marchwood, supporting defence operations through knowledge-sharing, problem-solving, and joint delivery.

Major Alex Howes, second in command at 17 Port and Maritime Regiment RLC, said: “This joint award is a testament to the outstanding collaboration between 17 Port & Maritime Regiment and ABP.

“Our shared commitment ensures the UK maintains a world-class strategic sea mounting capability.

“I am immensely proud of the professionalism and dedication of our soldiers and equally commend the expertise and commitment of ABP’s team.

“Together, we look forward to strengthening this partnership to meet future operational demands.”

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Earlier this year, ABP announced a new strategic relationship agreement with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The agreement provides the MoD with access to ABP’s portfolio of ports across the UK for sea mounting, which is the loading and unloading of military hardware from vessels used to transport material across the world, at no extra cost to the original contract.

This partnership was recently demonstrated using a Ministry of Defence Roll-on/Roll-off vessel at ABP’s Immingham port.

Beyond Marchwood, ABP supports defence activities across its UK port network.