23 March 2026
Portsmouth International Port has set out how it intends to meet its responsibilities to residents, its staff, customers, suppliers, and the planet, as part of a new strategy.
The port’s first Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy was ratified by Portsmouth City Council’s cabinet yesterday (Tuesday 3 March) and sets its future direction across the full breadth of its operations up to the year 2050.
The document outlines the port’s approach to sustainable and responsible operations, and its commitments to everyone who interacts with the port, demonstrating how it is delivering value through growth and innovation.
Through the strategy, the port sets out its ambitions to lead the way in:
Decarbonisation of operations and infrastructure
Biodiversity protection and nature-positive development
Clean energy transition, including on-site renewable generation
Equitable employment and inclusive workforce practices
Transparent governance to build trust and accountability.
It also sets out important milestones over the coming years, including net zero port operations by 2035 and zero emissions by 2050.
Port director Mike Sellers said: “This is an incredibly important step for us. The strategy transparently describes our future direction and commitment to everyone we impact through our day-to-day operations now and in the decades to come.
“If we want to continue competing with ports across the UK and internationally for cruise, ferry and freight business, our customers need to know we’re committed to the sustainable and innovative developments they demand; and we have a responsibility to the city’s residents and our staff to improve air quality, provide safe and fair employment, and continue to increase profits to feed into vital council services.
“We’ve come a long way in our first 50 years, which this strategy reflects and builds on, and sets out the course for the coming 50 years.”
Cllr Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “Our port is not only so important to the city, for the money it makes and the employment it provides, but also the wider UK economy for the trade that passes through.
“It has a huge impact on everyone that lives in the city, and this new strategy will ensure it continues to be a good neighbour to us all, while aligning its environmental and social goals with national and international aims.”
All of the objectives in the strategy will be set against current baselines, so the port’s progress across all areas can be measured over the years to come. The strategy also commits to openness and yearly reporting, ensuring it is accountable to all.
To read the strategy visit Portsmouth Port
Contact Information
Adam Grinsell
adam.grinsell@portsmouth-port.co.uk
Link to strategy: Environmental, Social & Governance Strategy
