New figures released today by Maritime Solent reveal the region’s maritime sector is generating £14.4bn in aggregate GVA and supporting 158,300 jobs, confirming its position as one of the UK’s most powerful regional economic assets.
The data highlights rapid growth across the sector, including 7.3% annual GVA growth, 3.1% annual employment growth, and exceptional productivity of £116,300 per worker.
The Solent’s maritime economy spans major ports, shipping, cruise, boatbuilding, defence, clean maritime, autonomy, training, research, leisure marine and tourism – forming one of the most diverse maritime clusters in the world.
The region is also home to world‑class assets including major international ports, a Naval Base, advanced simulation suites, towing tanks, cavitation tunnels, a ship‑handling centre, one of the world’s largest hydrodynamic facilities, and unrivalled maritime training and research.
The data will be formally launched today (1st July) at a parliamentary reception in Westminster, hosted by Darren Paffey MP and sponsored by Griffon Marine, the University of Southampton, and Carnival UK. The event brings together parliamentarians, industry leaders and regional stakeholders to highlight the Solent’s critical contribution to the UK’s maritime strength and future growth.
Stuart Baker, Chief Executive of Maritime Solent, said:
“This new data underlines the Solent’s role as a national strategic maritime asset. Its economic contribution, productivity and innovation capacity are vital to the UK’s global competitiveness and future prosperity across our coastal communities.”