Remembering the role of our ports

Yesterday, on Remembrance Day, we remember all those who served, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and the families and communities whose lives were changed by conflict.

Throughout both World Wars, ports across ABP’s network played an important role in supporting Britain’s wartime efforts.

During the First World War, Southampton’s docks were requisitioned as Britain’s No. 1 Military Embarkation Port, becoming a major departure point for troops heading overseas. Immingham became a home base for Royal Navy submarines, while in Grimsby, fishing vessels and trawlers were requisitioned for naval service, with many taking on minesweeping and patrol duties. Cardiff’s docks also came under military control, with coal exports redirected to help supply the Royal Navy.

These contributions continued during the Second World War. Southampton became a major embarkation point for the Allied invasion of Europe, with more than 3.5 million troops and over 250,000 vehicles embarking from the port between D-Day and the end of the war.

This story was originally published by Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full story at Hellenic Shipping News →