16 June 2026
Portsmouth International Port welcomed over 2,200 local residents and their families on Saturday (13 June) for a jam-packed community open day, the highest attendance to date.
For a limited time, the public were given behind the scenes access to the council owned port with ships, machinery and cutting edge technology on display for visitors to see and interact with. Open from 10am – 4pm, the day was filled with harbour tours, tug displays, performances from local drumming group Batala and horn honking as children climbed aboard vessels and met the crew.
The free event, which last took place in 2023, celebrated the port’s 50th anniversary and gave visitors a unique opportunity to explore the port and meet members of staff. Key partners included Wightlink, Whitaker Tankers, Tall Ships Youth Trust and Solent Cruises who all laid their vessels up for the day to allow the public to explore.
Over 980 visitors enjoyed a harbour tour by Solent Cruises, while 1,080 people climbed aboard Whitaker Tankers bunker barge the ‘Whitstar’.
Mike Sellers, Portsmouth International Port’s director said: “We are all still buzzing from Saturday. The commitment from our staff and port partners, paired with some fantastic weather, gave us the perfect day to showcase our port and the work that goes on here.
“Seeing the engagement from everyone who attended really solidified the role we play in the city, and we hope it inspired some future maritime workers. Throughout the year we have been marking 50 years of the port being operated by Portsmouth City Council, and the open day brought this celebration to the residents and the people who own it.”
Portsmouth’s cargo terminal, Portico, hosted a range of machinery from trucks to reach stackers, alongside aggregate importer Brett who displayed diggers and salvaged items that had been dredged from the seabed.
Ambassador Cruise Line, who recently operated their first turnaround season out of Portsmouth, also gave visitors the chance to win a cruise.
Cllr Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council said: “It’s been great to see the interest our residents have taken in our city’s port. Whether you have travelled through the port before or not, having access to vessels and machinery up close sparks the imagination of people of all ages.
“Every year Portsmouth International Port generates £10.8million which goes directly back into funding vital council services. We are very proud to have the port on our doorstep, and I hope the staff have enjoyed marking this anniversary year.”