Portico reveals £12M expansion investment
Published: November 10 2026
Portico Shipping, the Portsmouth based cargo handling and logistics operator, is reporting strong demand for its enhanced facilities, following the completion of significant quayside expansion works supported by £12M of funding from Solent Freeport and its owner Portsmouth City Council.
The investment has increased Portico’s capacity to handle a wider range of cargos, supporting key UK industries 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.
As UK trade volumes continue to evolve, local company Portico has strengthened its position as a leading cargo handling specialist. Offering extensive storage capacity and heavy-lift capabilities to meet increasingly diverse customer requirements, it is estimated that 2.9m tonnes of goods are managed across the whole international port site.
The newly expanded area, known as Albert Johnson Quay, is 17,000m2 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.
Steve Williams, Portico Shipping’s chief executive 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 17,000 m2 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. We are proud to be experts in cargo handling and have availability for urgent requests.
This funding by Solent Freeport and our owners, Portsmouth City Council, recognises how important we are to the UK’s import market, with £7.5bn worth of trade coming through Portsmouth International Port, for which we are responsible for a significant amount.”
The expanded facilities are helping Portico accommodate growing customer demand while supporting the continued development of Portsmouth International Port as a nationally significant trade gateway.
The investment also reinforces the role of the Solent Freeport in driving economic growth, attracting new business opportunities and enhancing the region’s logistics and maritime capabilities.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:
“This is crucial investment for one of the city’s major contributors to the UK economy, and a significant local employer with over 230 staff from the Portsmouth area.
This funding from Solent Freeport demonstrates the investment in the city’s maritime and marine industry, with support from the council through a loan it is our sign of commitment to the company as a vital organisation.”
Portico Shipping is one of Solent Freeport’s custom sites, which allows simplified customs procedures for import and export goods.
Brian Johnson, Chair of Solent Freeport said:
” This investment is a great example of Solent Freeport delivering tangible benefits for businesses, the regional economy and the UK’s trading capabilities.
By supporting the expansion of Portico’s quayside facilities, we are helping to unlock new opportunities for trade, attract business and strengthen the infrastructure that industries across the country depend on.
It’s particularly encouraging to see this investment supporting sectors such as renewable energy and major infrastructure, while reinforcing Portsmouth’s position as a vital gateway for international trade.
Working with partners like Portsmouth City Council and Portico, we’re turning the ambitions of Solent Freeport into real investment on the ground, creating the conditions for long-term economic growth across the Solent and beyond.”