Feedback

Our highly skilled and flexible workforce strives to deliver customer service excellence always, across highly diversified and responsive terminal operations.

Cargo Handling

View feedback from our Cargo customers;

TEAM Leidos logo

"Thanks to Solent Stevedores from Team Leidos for their fantastic support as we recently conducted a major recovery of military equipment at Southampton port...."

"Thanks to Solent Stevedores from Team Leidos for their fantastic support as we recently conducted a major recovery of military equipment at Southampton port."

"As a commercial port, it wouldn’t normally be a location where such activity takes place, so this was a steep learning curve for all parties involved (military personnel, commercial hauliers, rail operators…) – but Ray, Alan & the team kept cool and were most helpful and flexible all the way, meaning the operation was a great success in the end."

Veronika Peraus - Leidos Europe Ltd

ports of jersey logo

"Just wanted to say thank you for everyone's hard work yesterday evening, really nice post on Maritime Jersey this morning which shows the work we do is appreciated..."

"Yesterday evening was all about team work, Stan and Don did a cracking job (medals for longest and most acts in an evening in the post) but they wouldn't have got onboard the ships without the Rival and boat crew or got alongside or back off the berths without the line handlers, the Duke and Halcyon and once the ships were along side we needed the crack Stevedore team to turn them round quickly so the next vessels could berth.

"All that couldn't happen without the ops room, harbour managers and the agent working in the background to ensure all the chess pieces were in the right place at the right time.

"Really good work yesterday, thank you."

William Sadler - Harbourmaster
Ports of Jersey

channel seaways logo

"James is a credit to your company, very professional, provides great customer service and is just a joy to work with..."

"Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, I wanted to recognise the consistent, excellent attitude of James Ferreira who I was able to work with during my week at the Ports of Jersey. James is a credit to your company, very professional, provides great customer service and is just a joy to work with. I hope that you can recognise his contribution to our company in a manner that you see fit."

Ian Gavet - General Manager
Channel Seaways Ltd

k line logo

"Appreciate everything you guys do for us and long may it continue"

"Just a quick note to say a huge thank you for the work this week (especially the late call to arms on Monday!!).

A thoroughly professional service with zero damage or injuries.

Appreciate everything you guys do for us and long may it continue. Enjoy your weekend gentlemen and hope to be in touch for the next lift soon."

Simon Rowe - Office Manager, Southampton
"K" Line (Europe) Limited

hmm logo

"A big well done and a big thank you guys, sincerely appreciated."

"Just wanted to say a big thank you for the work you did on the F1 business. I expressed my gratitude to Ian yesterday on all the work you guys performed for us and I am rather happy with the level of service and care Solent put into this business. I have requested some feedback from the customer on the equipment they received from which I am almost certain they are going to formally appraise overall."

"A big well done and a big thank you guys, sincerely appreciated"

Richard Gough - Equipment Control
Hyundai Merchant Marine Co. Ltd

"I have never had such a swift and helpful response from an employer."

"Thank you so much."

"May I just say that your response has been brilliant. I have never had such a swift and helpful response from an employer."

"I imagine you must be a fantastic company to work with."

Jocelyn Pearce
National Careers Service

channel seaways logo

"...getting things moved around was a big ask and I was pleasantly surprised. Thank you all."

"I would like you to send my appreciation to your staff, in particular Paddy Watson who ensured that our customers were able to collect or have their goods delivered. As you know it was a very busy day (Fertiliser etc) so getting things moved around was a big ask and I was pleasantly surprised. Thank you all."

Eric Mahe - Jersey Manager
Channel Seaways Ltd

openfield grain logo

"...thanks for loading the 4k vessel in two days before the Bank Holiday"

"Just a quick message to say thanks for loading the 4k vessel in two days before the Bank Holiday, the early start on Friday was a good idea and much appreciated. Please pass my regards to the lads involved."

John Hunt - Grain Store Manager
Opengrain

k line logo

"A massive thank you for your superb efforts this week"

"Despite shippers declaring (at the last minute) different cargo weights, you still managed to get the job done! I am pleased to say that my colleague in London has had nothing but positive comments about Solent Stevedores."

"In all the years I’ve worked with your teams from Bulk/Fruit/Project, you have NEVER let me down. Long may it continue..."

Simon Rowe - Office Manager, Southampton
"K" Line (Europe) Limited

"We really thought that the job was going to take far longer than expected but Mark and his colleagues saved the day..."

"May I take this opportunity to pass on my thanks to Mark Loveless and the team at Solent Stevedores who were absolutely fantastic in the way they went the extra mile to ensure my boat 'Amora' an 11.5 tonnes v42 Princess was loaded into the water despite unexpected challenges."

"We really thought that the job was going to take far longer than expected but Mark and his colleagues saved the day."

"Well done to all. They are a credit to your company"

Leslie S Squires
Cabaret Casino

Inchcape Shipping Services logo

"A special thank you to each and every man on your team at Immingham for all their hard work"

"May I express and extend my thanks for all the efforts of the Solent Stevedores team so far in your new venture on the Humber."

"I recently spoke with one of our MOL Port Captains, and the question was raised how he thought your staff were performing at Killingholme."

"His reply was they all work hard, listen to every word and instruction given and, in addition to that, they are all polite and most helpful and all seem to want to go the extra mile. He is looking forward to the future having your guys working on our vessels every month."

"Based on this very positive feedback may I offer a special thank you to each and every man on your team at Immingham for all their hard work, and look forward to continued work with yourselves throughout 2016. Keep up the good work Solent you are a real credit to the Immingham Shipping Community"

Jamie Hunter - Port Manager - Humber
Inchcape Shipping Services

ALE Heavy Lift logo

"professional, flexible and more than helpful..."

"Solent Stevedores has been professional, flexible and more than helpful on a number of projects we have worked with them in Southampton. The service has been second to none and projects delivered successfully with their assistance. Looking forward to working with them again"

Laura Davies - Project Manager
ALE

Condor Ferries logo

"This unparalleled level of support is indicative of the very strong working relationship we have forged over the last two years..."

"On behalf of Condor Ferries, I would like to share our sincere appreciation for the proactive response Solent Stevedores has recently delivered, by providing skilled labour to support our freight operations to the Channel Islands while Clipper is in dry dock for repair.

The team at Solent Stevedores pulled on all their skilled labour resources at extremely short notice to assist with the running of our replacement charter vessel, MN Toucan, which is helping to keep the Islands supplied and connected with freight deliveries until the Clipper's return on 26th August.

Solent Stevedores teams were promptly mobilised to work with both our Portsmouth and Guernsey operational staff to lend essential, skilled support during this very busy period. This was achieved without compromising the usual very high levels of service we have come to expect of the company.

This unparalleled level of support is indicative of the very strong working relationship we have forged over the last two years"

Captain Fran Collins - Port and Guest Services Director
Condor Ferries

Peters and May logo

"...your assistance and flexibility to the last minute requirements have been precious and therefore highly appreciated."

"Jerry and Doug,

I have now got back in control of my desk and my email inbox and, as promised to Jerry, I wanted to drop a couple of lines to thank all of you for the exceptional support during the yacht loading operation to the MV Flintermar on Sunday 1st June.

Given the late hours and the difficult situation encountered, your assistance and flexibility to the last minute requirements have been precious and therefore highly appreciated.

Thank you all and please pass this message on to the two crane operators who assisted us."

Claudia Carli - Marine Department
Peters and May

Denholm logo

"As ever we could not fault the positive 'can do' attitude and flexibility that we, as vessel agents, have come to rely upon."

"Thorco Cloud arrived at Southampton on 26th March to load a consignment of Gas Turbine Generators and Solent Stevedores was contracted initially to provide labour only from road transport to hook. As always Solent Stevedores performed these tasks with professionalism and care.

However, Solent Stevedores' strength has always been their flexibility and when a requirement for additional labour for on-board lashing was requested they were able to provide the man-power at very short notice. The Solent Stevedores team worked beyond their agreed 1900 hrs overtime shift completion time to ensure the vessel sailed ahead of schedule and helpfully provided loading slings on completion of the operation to assist the vessel with cargo discharge at its destination port.

As ever we could not fault the positive 'can do' attitude that they bring to a job and the flexibility that we, as vessel agents, have come to rely upon."

Jason Woolnough - Agency Supervisor
Denholm Wilhelmsen

AIM logo

"I would like to put on record my appreciation for a job very well done."

"Dear Mr Jacobs,

Subject: Loading MV Bulk Juliana

You have just completed loading MV Bulk Juliana with steel recycled metal at Southampton. I would like to put on record my appreciation for a job very well done.

In particular, I would like to congratulate you and your colleagues on their ability to load over 40,000 mt of cut grade recycled metal without any "stevedore damage" being reported by the vessel. This for me is an absolute first.

As the Charterer of the vessel this has made my life far less complicated than it could have been. Thank you."

Mark Hudson
American Iron and Metal LP
Montreal, Canada

Complete Marine Freight logo

"Your ability to understand the restraints and changes shipping imposes, as well as the requirement to communicate, and accommodate our needs was exceptional..."

"Your ability to understand the restraints and changes shipping imposes, as well as the requirement to communicate, and accommodate our needs was exceptional; Jerry and Scott did a superb job, very smooth and hassle free and the transfer to 102 Berth went well."

Shaun Robinson - Operations Director
Complete Marine Freight

DP World logo

"A big thanks to Solent Stevedores and all those involved..."

"May I take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the recent discharge of Liebherr container crane components from the 'Palembang'. The original expectation was to complete the discharge and sail the ship on Sunday 29th September. However the discharge was completed this evening (Saturday 28th)

A big thanks to Solent Stevedores and all those involved in transporting the crane components to the crane build site over the course of the discharge, especially to those involved today to achieve the completion of discharge operation ahead of schedule."

Dave Mason - ABP Crane Build Supervisor
DP World Southampton

ABP logo

"I would like to record our thanks for the co-operation from all of the team at Solent Stevedores"

"I would like to record our thanks for the co-operation from all of the team at Solent Stevedores. It was very gratefully received by our project team."

Clive Thomas - Deputy Port Manager
ABP Port of Southampton

SJ Norton logo

"With a highly dedicated team of professionals, who are fast to respond, and who diligently plan and review their operational activities, I have real confidence in the support they give."

"S J Norton and Solent Stevedores have nurtured an extremely close working relationship over the last 5 years. Throughout this period, we have seen improved working practices and cargo handling solutions resulting in Solent Stevedores exceeding our expectations in the services they provide.

With a highly dedicated team of professionals, who are fast to respond, and who diligently plan and review their operational activities, I have real confidence in the support they give.

Solent Stevedores has also developed the skill sets of their staff to cater for the growing needs of our business, not only in a Stevedoring sense but also when dealing with both Health & Safety and Environmental requirements, and their proactive approach has been very refreshing.

This relationship has allowed our Southampton operation to develop at a faster rate than we originally anticipated, and we look forward to developing our relationship further."

David Matthews - Head of Operations
SJ Norton & Sons Ltd

"Your ability to understand the restraints and changes shipping imposes, as well as the requirement to communicate, and accommodate our needs was exceptional..."

"I would like to pass the group's thanks to you. The day was extremely well received by those who attended and this is down to the hard work and effort put in by yourselves. Without your assistance this visit would never of happened and it is directly thanks to your organisation and contacts, that we got such rare access to a working port.

I would also like to thank you once again for your informative commentary and anecdotes, which brought the trip to life! You really did the group proud and the feedback that I received after you left was all so positive, that it really made the day feel complete.

I can't thank you enough Ian and look forward to possibly trying to repeat this success again next year"

Andy Morris - Director
BMT Surveys

Inchcape Shipping Services logo

"Please thank your team for me for their fantastic work"

"I have just spoken with my boarding agent who handled the vessel silver cloud on Sunday. He could not praise the work of all Solent Stevedores staff enough.

We had the odd issue with the vessel and each time a member of Solent Stevedores came along to help. Please thank your team for me for their fantastic work and assistance with the vessel."

Greg Speed - Port Operations Assistant Manager
Inchcape Shipping Services

ABP logo

"The relationship between ABP and Solent Stevedores in the Port of Southampton, is a great example of close co-operation between port owners and stevedores..."

British Gypsum logo

"The team at Southampton continue to work in a very flexible and safe manner to maintain the exacting needs of our business, and we classify them as a key partner in the ongoing success of our business..."

"British Gypsum and Solent Stevedores has enjoyed a long standing and successful relationship in the Port of Southampton.

Throughout this period, and the ebbs and flows of our business, Solent Stevedores has continued to provide a reliable and cost effective service to ensure our cargoes are discharged from vessel and loaded to rail in a timely manner to supply our Robertsbridge operation.

The team at Southampton continue to work in a very flexible and safe manner to maintain the exacting needs of our business, and we classify them as a key partner in the ongoing success of our business.

We look forward to continuing this mutually beneficial relationship into the future"

Kevin Flinton - Procurement Manager
British Gypsum

Verdo Renewables logo

"We have a very good relationship with Solent Stevedores, one which we hope to develop as more opportunities arise."

"Being close to the Port of Southampton is a great advantage for us, especially as there is a specialist bulk handler on hand to receive and load our product. We have a very good relationship with Solent Stevedores, one which we hope to develop as more opportunities arise"

Steve Parsons - General Manager (Operations)
Verdo Renewables Ltd

ECO logo

"ECO are delighted to be working with such a capable and forward thinking partner."

"In 2009 ECO Sustainable Solutions established an additional income stream to our growing recycling business by processing mixed wood waste, supplied by various local authorities, in to Woodchip.

Woodchip has also become increasingly more important as a Biomass fuel to the Swedish Power Plants.

Solent Stevedores has been extremely supportive in assisting us to establish this new element to our business. Their versatility in handling our requirements has enabled us to maximize this opportunity.

Solent Stevedores enthusiastically assisted us in constructing a dedicated area within their facility which has provided us greater flexibility in developing our business model.

Additionally, I have been impressed by the focus the staff place upon customer service together with their proactive approach to problem solving.

ECO are delighted to be working with such a capable and forward thinking partner.”"

Peter Hardy - Commercial Manager
ECO Sustainable Solutions Ltd

NGS logo

"Solent Stevedores is a name that NGS Trust."

"I send this on behalf of NGS to highlight that effort does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

It’s a pleasure working with a company like Solent Stevedores, which like NGS, takes on a challenge and performs regardless of the circumstances - and takes pride in its performance.

NGS are one of the largest importers of salt in Europe, therefore our logistics have to be exceptional to meet the expectations of our customers, and this is where we depend on Solent Stevedores who provide us with stevedoring services. Solent Stevedores is a name that NGS Trust.

Stevedores are doing an excellent job in discharging the ship. Very good work, especially Jerry, Doug and Steve on the shovel. Thanks and keep up the good work."

Vijay Karia - Group Chairman
NGS Corporation Plc

PSP logo

"A big thanks to Solent Stevedores and all those involved..."

"PSP have worked with Solent Stevedores for many years loading and unloading pleasure boats and commercial vessels at their Southampton facility. We have always been very impressed with the professional and flexible nature with which all their staff operate and would have no hesitation in recommending their services to others."

Brian Woods - Managing Director
Premier Shipping and Packing Ltd

Tate and Lyle Sugars logo

"Solent Stevedores has re-invigorated our port operations and brought both world class solutions and best practice to our business."

"Tate & Lyle operate one of the largest sugar cane refineries in the world on the river Thames, importing around 1.5 million tonnes of raw sugar.

In 2007 we decided to outsource all our stevedoring activity and a number of established stevedoring companies were approached. Solent Stevedores successfully illustrated to us that they were the right company to become our partners.

Since taking control of our port facility, Solent Stevedores has completely fulfilled our requirements and expectations.

From the very top down they have demonstrated their capability to meet our high standards safely, efficiently and competently.

They have re-invigorated our port operations and brought both world class solutions and best practice to our business. I would not hesitate to recommend them to any future customer."

Robert Woods - Port Operations Manager
Tate & Lyle Sugars

Frontier logo

"Every part of the chain had to work together and to see the Lioness C steaming out of the Solent with almost 60,000 tonnes of wheat on board is testament to this."

"The recent record shipment of grain is a great example of collaboration at its best. At Frontier we have worked with farmers, storekeeper, hauliers, our joint venture investment Southampton Grain Terminal, ABP Southampton, Clarkson’s ships agency and finally Solent Stevedores to make this happen. Every part of the chain had to work together and to see the Lioness C steaming out of the Solent with almost 60,000 tonnes of wheat on board is testament to this."

Jon Duffy - Grain Trading Director
Frontier Agriculture

saint gobain logo

"We will look to use yourselves again if there are any projects in the Southampton area."

"Thanks for the great job you did on the Twyford project. We will look to use yourselves again if there are any projects in the Southampton area."

Pablo Martinez-Moore - Master Production Scheduler
Saint-Gobain PAM CK Ltd

"I was very, very impressed with the positive and excellent attitude shown by your stevedores..."

"Just to let you know I was very, very impressed with the positive and excellent attitude shown by your stevedores during recent loading operations in Southampton."

B. Sorenson - Master
Thor Ingeborg

"t was refreshing to find such a willing workforce."

"Many thanks to you and your Team at Southampton during loading of Atlant Regine. It was refreshing to find such a willing workforce. Ships Officers also commented on the friendly manner of all your staff employed both on the quay and onboard"

Jon Duffy - Grain Trading Director
Ox.Flamar Cargo Superintendent

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+44 (0)2380 725790