The agreement provides the MoD with access to ABP’s portfolio of ports across the UK for sea mounting at no additional cost to the original contract

Associated British Ports (ABP) is proud to announce that its Southampton team has been awarded the Regional Partnership Award at the Royal Logistics Corps (RLC) Institution Awards. This award is for the most effective partnership between a RLC unit and Industry; it underscores ABP’s dedication to building strong, collaborative relationships with 17 Port and Maritime (P&M) RLC — one of its key regional partners.

The integration of both teams within the Sea Mounting Centre 

Since 2016, the Solent Gateway team and 17 P&M RLC personnel have worked together to strengthen this partnership, ensuring seamless cooperation and mutual support. In day-to-day operations ABP employees and 17 P&M RLC work alongside each other to share knowledge, solve problems and deliver results with professionalism and mutual respect. The integration of both teams within the Sea Mounting Centre at Marchwood stands as a powerful example of Defence and Industry working as one.

The MoD’s critical strategic capabilities. 

Richard Parkinson, Solent Gateway Port Director 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."

A world-class strategic sea mounting capability

Major Alex Howes, RLC, Second in Command, 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.”

A new strategic relationship agreement with (MoD).

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 (the loading and unloading of military hardware from vessels used to transport material across the world) at no additional cost to the original contract for the provision of such services at the Port of Marchwood. This was recently demonstrated using an MoD RoRo vessel at ABP’s Immingham port.

Marchwood is one aspect of ABP’s commitment to the Armed Forces and the defence sector more generally. Barrow, one of ABP’s portfolio of 21 ports, is fundamental to the UK’s submarine building programme. Other ports, such as Cardiff, Southampton and Hull frequently host naval vessels, not just from the UK but also NATO allies.

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