Residents in Portsmouth will have the chance to explore behind the scenes of the city’s maritime hub during a free community open day held at Portsmouth International Port on Saturday 13 June 2026. The event, running from 10am to 4pm, marks the 50th anniversary of the port, which was established by Portsmouth City Council in 1976.
As Britain’s largest municipal port, the facility plays a significant role in the local economy. In 2024 alone, the port contributed £195 million to the local area and provided £10.8 million to the council’s budget to help support essential services like social care and education. The site is a major transit point, having handled 2.9 million tonnes of goods and millions of ferry and cruise passengers during the same year.
This upcoming event follows a successful open day in 2023 that welcomed more than 1,800 visitors, with 90% of those surveyed indicating they would attend again. Harbour Master Ben McInnes emphasised the importance of these events, noting that because the port is owned by the city, engaging with the community and inspiring younger generations to consider maritime careers is a priority.
Visitors at the June event will have the opportunity to see several ongoing improvements at the site. This includes the new shore power project, which is designed to allow multiple ships to plug into electrical systems simultaneously. Once fully operational, this project is expected to help avoid 20,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually starting in 2027.
Those interested in attending can find ticket information through Eventbrite. The open day is part of a series of events celebrating the port’s history and its future impact on the region.
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