ABP Southampton Welcomes Glovis Lighthouse on Record-Breaking Maiden European Call

ABP Southampton Welcomes Glovis Lighthouse on Record-Breaking Maiden European Call

(IN BRIEF) Associated British Ports welcomed the Glovis Lighthouse to the Port of Southampton on 14 July, marking the largest vehicle carrier ever to call at the port by capacity. The vessel visited Southampton during its maiden voyage, with the port serving as its first European call. The Glovis Lighthouse can carry up to 10,800 car equivalent units and measures 230 metres in length and 40 metres in width. It berthed at ABP’s Solent Gateway, using a recently deepened and lengthened berth designed to accommodate larger vehicle carriers. The dual-fuel vessel can operate on liquefied natural gas and is expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 24% compared with conventional fuels. Its arrival highlights Southampton’s role as a leading UK automotive gateway and reflects ABP’s investment in port infrastructure for global automotive logistics.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 17-Jul-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Associated British Ports has welcomed the Glovis Lighthouse to the Port of Southampton, marking the arrival of the largest vehicle carrier ever to call at the port by capacity.

The vessel arrived at ABP Southampton on 14 July during its maiden voyage, with Southampton serving as its first port call in Europe.

With capacity for up to 10,800 car equivalent units, the Glovis Lighthouse is among the largest vehicle carriers currently operating worldwide. The vessel measures 230 metres in length and 40 metres in width.

Its arrival highlights Southampton’s role as a major destination port for global automotive manufacturers and demonstrates the benefits of ABP’s investment in port infrastructure capable of handling the latest generation of larger vehicle carrier vessels.

The Glovis Lighthouse berthed at Solent Gateway, ABP’s newest automotive terminal at the Port of Southampton. The vessel used the facility’s recently deepened and lengthened berth, which forms part of an investment programme designed to support larger ships entering global automotive trade routes.

Paul Reeves, Head of Commercial at ABP, said the port was pleased to welcome the vessel on its first visit to Europe.

“As the largest vehicle carrier by capacity ever to call at Southampton, its arrival demonstrates the benefits of our investment in Solent Gateway and reinforces Southampton’s position as a leading hub for the automotive industry and international trade,” said Reeves.

The Glovis Lighthouse represents the latest generation of vessels serving the global automotive logistics sector. It is a dual-fuel ship capable of operating on liquefied natural gas, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 24% compared with conventional fuels. Its energy efficiency performance also significantly exceeds current regulatory standards.

Mark Bath, General Manager at Wainwright Bros & Co Ltd, ship’s agent for the Glovis Lighthouse, said the company was proud to support the historic call.

“We’re delighted to be playing our key role in making this historic vessel call happen,” said Bath.

He noted that Wainwright Bros is a Southampton-based agent with a heritage dating back to its formation in the city in 1899, and said the company is pleased to help keep Southampton at the forefront of global automotive logistics.

Bath added that Wainwright Bros has acted as appointed port agent for Glovis since 2010 and looks forward to continuing to support the company’s Southampton calls in close cooperation with ABP.

The successful handling of the Glovis Lighthouse demonstrates the enhanced capabilities of Solent Gateway and the wider Port of Southampton. ABP said the investment in Southampton’s infrastructure is enabling the port to support larger vessels, increasing trade volumes and the changing requirements of the global automotive industry.

As one of the United Kingdom’s leading automotive gateways, Solent Gateway plays an important role in connecting vehicle manufacturers with international markets.

A plaque and key ceremony was held on board the vessel to commemorate its maiden call at the Port of Southampton and its first arrival in Europe.

The visit marks another milestone for Southampton’s automotive operations and underlines the port’s ability to accommodate the newest generation of vehicle carrier ships serving international trade routes.

Media Contact:

Tim Morris
Head of Corporate Communications
tim.morris@abports.co.uk
Mob: +44 (0)7850 501 903

SOURCE: Associated British Ports