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Maritime Companies in Southampton: 59 Active Firms (2026)
Maritime companies in Southampton operate shipping, port, crewing and marine services across the Solent and wider UK trade lanes.
Buying centres around Southampton tend to sit in operations, compliance and port-facing procurement rather than generic corporate services. Customers are usually vessel owners and operators, port users, cargo handlers and maritime workforce managers, with buying decisions tied to schedules, safety obligations and service continuity. Engagements are typically business-to-business and contract-led: crewing cover, port support, marine services and vessel operations carry switching costs once a provider is embedded. The cohort also includes lean asset-holding vehicles alongside employers with operational staff, so turnover and headcount do not always move together.
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Southampton has 59 actively trading maritime companies, a compact local cohort for a city with port and Solent marine activity around it. Reported employment across the cohort is 1,116 people, which points to an operating base beyond shell entities, even though some participants are likely to be asset-holding or project-specific vehicles. The turnover profile is concentrated in a minority of larger operators and service providers, while newer incorporations sit around crewing, marine support and ancillary port services rather than the capital-intensive end of vessel ownership.
The operating context is shaped by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), an executive agency sponsored by the Department for Transport. The MCA produces legislation and guidance on maritime matters, provides seafarer certification, operates the UK Ship Register and carries out Port State Control for ships visiting UK ports and anchorages. Owners and operators of foreign-flagged vessels may face advance notification duties for expanded inspections, with missed reporting capable of becoming an offence. Certification also matters commercially: merchant-ship officers need the relevant MCA-issued certificate, equivalent certificate or endorsement before they can serve in regulated roles.
Compliance capacity, labour availability and asset utilisation appear to matter more than new-company formation. Southampton’s maritime base tends to favour operational specialists with existing port relationships, which can make entry harder for lightly capitalised providers. Consolidation may be more likely in support services than among vessel-owning entities, because buyers value continuity and certification history. The smaller, leaner businesses in the cohort may still find room where they solve crewing, inspection or marine-support bottlenecks for larger counterparties.
59
Active firms
2026
7
Over £5M turnover
Larger trading entries
9
Incorporated since 2022
Recent formations
Key facts
About 11% of the trading cohort reports turnover above £5M (7 of 59 firms) — the rest sits below that revenue band.
15% of the cohort was incorporated since 2022 (9 firms), so a sizeable share is in its first few filing cycles.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency operates the UK Ship Register, provides seafarer certification and carries out Port State Control for ships visiting UK ports and anchorages.
Expanded inspections of foreign-flagged ships under the Merchant Shipping (Port State Control) Regulations 2011 and MSN 1832 can require 72 hours’ notice from eligible owners or operators.
UK ports handled 434.9 million tonnes of freight in 2023, down 5% from 2022 and 10% below 2019.
Maritime UK reports UK maritime turnover of £116 billion and GVA of £48.9 billion in 2019, with shipping generating more than £49 billion of turnover.
UN Trade and Development puts maritime trade at 12.3 billion tons in 2023, after 2.4% growth, and notes that over 80% of world trade volume is carried by sea.
Top Southampton Maritime companies
RED Funnel
Operates passenger, vehicle and freight ferry services between Southampton and the Isle of Wight, including high‑speed catamarans and car ferries, and sells ferry tickets, travel cards, accommodation…
Serves consumers travelling between Southampton and the Isle of Wight, including holidaymakers, residents, students, foot passengers and vehicle users, plus businesses needing freight and regular…
Location
WILLIAMS SHIPPING MARINE LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsOperates a fleet of vessels and barges providing marine and port services, vessel charter, and marine equipment hire. Also delivers logistics including cargo handling, haulage, project transport,…
Serves B2B and public sector customers in the marine, ports, shipping and coastal infrastructure sectors, plus firms needing logistics, haulage, storage, container hire and emergency response,…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -66% CAGR over 4y
Location
Southampton Cargo Handling
Provides stevedoring and port handling services for cruise and roll‑on/roll‑off vessels. Handles loading and unloading of vehicles, heavy and project cargo, supports cruise ship operations, and…
Serves cruise lines, shipping lines, port operators and logistics companies needing UK port handling for passenger operations, roll-on/roll-off vehicles, high-and-heavy cargo and project cargo.
Location
South Coast Port Services Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides contract stevedoring and port labour services, including vessel mooring, cargo securing and shipwright support. Supplies trained personnel and operational support for marine operations and…
Sells to businesses in UK ports, especially port operators and other port customers needing contract stevedoring, mooring, cargo securing, container terminal support, and specialist port staff on…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Profitable, Hiring · 6% CAGR over 4y
Location
WAINWRIGHT BROTHERS & COMPANY LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides ship and port agency services for shipowners, charterers and superyacht captains, including vessel port call coordination, customs and documentation handling, freight forwarding, container…
Serves shipowners, charterers, superyacht captains, and import/export businesses using Southampton and other UK ports, plus individuals shipping automobiles or containers.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -4% CAGR over 4y
Location
WALLENIUS WILHELMSEN SOLUTIONS UK LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides port terminal services supporting roll-on/roll-off shipping and vehicle logistics, including handling, storage and processing of cars, trucks, heavy equipment and breakbulk cargo as part of…
Serves automotive, truck, heavy equipment and breakbulk manufacturers needing global distribution for vehicles, rolling cargo and other large freight.
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -80% CAGR over 3y
Location
Irish Ship Management UK Ltd
Trajectory
1y · 2024–NowFinancial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history
Location
PACIFIC TANKER LIMITED
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · Profitable
Location
CARIBIC TANKER LIMITED
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · Profitable
Location
BALTIC TANKER LIMITED
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · Profitable
Location
ITCHEN MARINE (TOWAGE) LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides marine towage services using tug vessels, assisting with movement, berthing and handling of ships and barges, and offering marine facilities, equipment and related support for harbour and…
Serves commercial marine and shipping customers in the South, including vessel operators and organisations managing harbour, towage or waterfront operations.
Financial Health
StableStable · -67% CAGR over 4y
Location
ADRIATIC TANKER LIMITED
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsOwns and operates a tanker vessel used for maritime transport of liquid cargo, managing vessel operations, maintenance, and commercial deployment in shipping markets through chartering.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Profitable
Location
ORBIS MARITIME LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StrongStrong
Location
MOELLER AND PARTNER UK LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
WeakWeak · -7% CAGR over 4y
Location
SOUTHAMPTON CONTAINER SERVICES LTD
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides container haulage and road freight transport services, including general haulage, intermodal container transport and curtainsided distribution. Also offers warehousing, container storage,…
Serves businesses and individuals needing container and general haulage, including sea freight customers around Southampton Docks and cruise logistics teams supplying ships at UK and European ports.
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
SUTCLIFFES MARITIME (UK) LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping for vehicles, mobile cargo and construction equipment, arranging sea freight from European ports to African and Middle Eastern destinations. Also offers…
Serves businesses exporting mobile cargo and construction equipment from UK and European ports to East, South and West Africa and the Middle East, including firms needing RoRo, container or air…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -71% CAGR over 4y
Location
SEA-AVIA FORWARDING LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides freight forwarding and shipping agency services, including import and export logistics, customs clearance, and export licensing support. Handles marine industry shipments such as boats and…
Serves businesses needing import/export freight and customs support, with a focus on marine sector clients, yacht and boat owners, and individuals relocating personal effects, vehicles or vessels.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -4% CAGR over 4y
Location
J&A Marshall Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides vehicle import and export handling services, including loading and unloading cars, motorcycles, caravans and boats in shipping containers. Offers UK vehicle transport, container handling,…
Serves vehicle importers/exporters, freight forwarders, hauliers and owners shipping cars, motorcycles, caravans and boats via containers, plus customers needing UK vehicle collection, delivery or…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -9% CAGR over 4y
Location
A 2 Z SHIPPING SERVICES LTD
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
StrongStrong · -25% CAGR over 1y
Location
Independent Port Handling
Provides recruitment and staffing services for the maritime and port sectors, advertising job vacancies and supplying personnel for roles across shipping, port operations, and related marine…
Serves maritime industry jobseekers and employers in port, shipping and logistics, including candidates seeking roles and businesses hiring for maritime operations.
Location
B M W SHIPPING AGENTS LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides freight forwarding and shipping logistics services, including import and export handling, customs clearance, air and deep-sea freight, containerisation, road haulage, e‑commerce shipments,…
Serves businesses and private individuals needing international freight support, including importers, exporters, e-commerce sellers, cargo owners and people relocating personal effects.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · 0% CAGR over 2y
Location
SJG CONTAINER HANDLING LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2021–NowProvides shipping container handling and depot services, including lift‑on/lift‑off handling, shunting, storage of loaded, empty and refrigerated containers, reefer inspection and testing (PTI),…
Serves freight forwarders, ship agents, shipping lines and cargo import/export businesses using Southampton Port, including operators of loaded, empty and reefer containers needing off-dock depot…
Financial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history
Location
Harbour Close (Poole) Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides marine contracting services including dredging support, coastal towage, and vessel charter. Operates tugboats, barges, dredgers, and workboats to support marine construction, piling…
Serves B2B and public sector customers needing marine workboat, towage and dredging support, including dredging contractors, ports and harbours, local authorities, marinas, construction projects and…
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
Peters & May
Provides global logistics and transport services specialising in yacht and boat shipping for private owners, racing teams and marine businesses. Also handles superyacht and commercial marine…
Serves private yacht and boat owners, yacht brokers, race teams, marine companies, and commercial organisations needing global marine transport, project cargo, freight forwarding, and courier…
Location
Peters & MAY
Provides international logistics and transport services focused on yachts and boats, including superyacht and racing yacht shipping. Also handles commercial marine cargo, project cargo, freight…
Serves private yacht and boat owners, superyacht clients, racing teams, marine companies, and businesses needing global freight, project cargo, commercial marine logistics, or courier services.
Location
SPECTRUM OFFSHORE LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides marine hydrographic and geophysical survey services and operates crew transfer and survey vessels for offshore construction and renewable energy projects. Conducts seabed mapping, UXO and…
Serves B2B clients in offshore renewables, subsea cables, offshore construction, marine aggregates and nautical charting, including developers, contractors and asset operators across the UK, Europe…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 2y
Location
HERO CONTAINER LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsFinancial Health
StrongStrong
Location
Simplex-Turbulo Company Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · -3% CAGR over 2y
Location
ABSEA VENTURES LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
ACCLAIM GROUP HOLDINGS LTD
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · -55% CAGR over 2y
Location
SOUTHAMPTON FREIGHT SERVICES LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides international freight forwarding and logistics services including air, ocean and road transport, courier deliveries, and global warehousing with inventory management. Handles customs…
Serves businesses needing international freight support, including importers, exporters, manufacturers, vehicle shippers and cruise lines with air, sea, road and warehousing requirements.
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 3% CAGR over 4y
Location
Poseidon Safety Consultants Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
HAMBLE YACHT DELIVERY LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
CONTAINER SERVICES (SOLENT) LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · -78% CAGR over 3y
Location
MAISHEM LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 5y
Location
Andark Commercial Diving Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 2y
Location
SFS CRUISE LOGISTICS LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides air cargo and freight forwarding services for the cruise and marine industry, including shipment of fresh produce, flowers, hotel supplies and technical spares. Handles consolidation,…
Serves major cruise lines, cruise ships and associated marine-industry suppliers requiring global support for shipboard catering, hotel stores and technical spares.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -7% CAGR over 4y
Location
BROWNY LOGISTICS LTD
Trajectory
4y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 32% CAGR over 4y
Location
HANNAH STODEL RACING LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
Salterns Boatyard Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsFinancial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 2y
Location
OCEANAIR EXPRESS (UK) LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history
Location
Trajectory
4y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides logistics and freight services including customs clearance, container haulage, UK road transport, pallet network distribution, ocean freight, and Amazon FBA shipping. Operates warehousing,…
Serves B2B customers with supply-chain and freight requirements, including importers, exporters, Amazon FBA sellers, retailers and manufacturers moving goods through UK ports or requiring UK…
Financial Health
StrongStrong
Location
ECOMMERCE SUPPLY CHAIN LTD
Trajectory
4y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides logistics and supply chain services including customs clearance, container haulage, road transport, pallet network distribution, ocean freight, and container storage. Operates warehousing,…
Sells to businesses needing UK import, freight and warehousing support, including e-commerce and Amazon FBA sellers, importers, exporters and supply chain teams requiring customs clearance, pallet…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 134% CAGR over 4y
Location
Bison Grid Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops software and mobile applications for vehicle logistics operations, enabling collection, inspection and tracking data, electronic proof of delivery, workflow management, and integration with…
Serves B2B vehicle logistics organisations, including Ro-Ro shipping lines, survey companies, truck and lorry operators, port terminals, rail operators, and car carriers managing vehicle movements…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Growing · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
Penguin Shipping
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides international freight forwarding services, arranging sea, air and road transport for import and export shipments. Handles customs clearance, cargo collection and delivery, motor vehicle…
Serves businesses importing or exporting goods internationally, including motor vehicle importers and marine equipment manufacturers or suppliers needing exhibition freight support.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 3% CAGR over 4y
Location
MARICO MARINE GROUP LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
StableStable
Location
Green Bow Maritime Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
Penguin Shipping
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides international freight forwarding services, arranging sea, air and road transport for import and export shipments. Handles customs clearance, cargo collection and delivery, motor vehicle…
Serves UK importers and exporters, including businesses shipping goods internationally, motor vehicle importers, and exhibition clients, particularly marine equipment manufacturers and suppliers.
Financial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 3y
Location
INCARE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides domestic and international freight forwarding and logistics services, including air and sea freight, road haulage, export packing and casemaking, customs clearance, warehousing and storage,…
Serves businesses, commercial and industrial customers, and private individuals needing domestic or international shipping for personal effects, household goods, fine art, vehicles, boats, machinery,…
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -66% CAGR over 4y
Location
HN3PL LTD
Trajectory
4y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsFinancial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
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How Southampton Maritime companies work and how to sell to them
What they do
Revenue usually comes from contracted services rather than one-off retail sales: vessel agency, crewing, marine support, inspection readiness, charter-related administration, cargo handling support and operational management. Pricing tends to mix retainers, day rates, per-call port charges, voyage-linked fees and project quotes, with margins shaped by labour availability, insurance, fuel exposure and asset utilisation. Some Southampton maritime firms own or lease vessels and equipment; others coordinate certified people, permits and subcontracted capability around port calls. The commercial product is often reliability under time pressure, so service-level commitments, out-of-hours cover and documented compliance can matter as much as the physical activity being sold.
Who they sell to
Typical customers are vessel owners, ship managers, cargo interests, port users, marine contractors and workforce managers serving coastal, short-sea or international routes. Buyers usually sit in operations, fleet management, procurement, crewing, HSQE, finance or compliance, with senior sign-off where safety exposure or vessel downtime is material. Smaller contracts may be awarded directly after supplier checks and insurance review; larger work tends to move through framework agreements, tenders or port-approved supplier processes. Sales cycles often lengthen when buyers need evidence of certifications, incident history, response cover and familiarity with Southampton port operations.
What they buy
Most maritime firms tend to spend on tools and services that reduce operational risk or administrative load: crew scheduling, certificate tracking, vessel maintenance records, safety management, incident reporting, finance, payroll and contract management. Firms with port operations also buy radio and communications support, rugged hardware, facilities services, fuel and waste-management support, insurance broking, legal advice and specialist accounting. Data and reporting needs are less about generic dashboards than knowing which vessel, berth, crew member, certificate or cargo movement needs action next. Recruitment, training and medical screening services can be relevant where certificated labour is the constraint.
Why and how to sell to them
Buying interest tends to appear when a maritime business wins new port work, adds vessels, loses key operations staff, prepares for inspection, renews insurance or struggles to cover certified roles. Outbound angles work better when they attach to service continuity, audit readiness, utilisation or reduced rework rather than broad productivity claims. Southampton operators may be wary of suppliers that do not understand port access, out-of-hours support and MCA-related documentation, so evidence should be practical: comparable marine workflows, clear implementation ownership, references by buyer type and contract terms that respect operational disruption.
How this list is built
Data sources
This list is built from UK Companies House filings, XBRL accounts data, and semantic analysis of each company's public website. Revenue and headcount figures come from the most recent filed accounts; where the company has not filed, values are estimated using a model trained on filed history and peer benchmarks and are labelled as estimates.
Classification
Rather than relying solely on SIC codes, Firmbase classifies each company semantically: the company's website is crawled, an AI model reads what the company actually sells, and the company is placed into the relevant industry and subsectors. SIC codes are used as one signal but not the only one. This means a company that registered under a generic SIC code but pivoted into (for example) fintech is correctly identified as fintech, not as its original SIC category.
Freshness
The underlying company data is refreshed from Companies House continuously; filings appear in the list within days of submission. The curated list ordering is regenerated when the underlying data moves meaningfully (company count changes by more than 5%, a new company enters the top-ranked segment, or the filed-revenue numbers for the top firms change). You can see the last-updated timestamp near the top of the page.
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Frequently asked questions
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