DP World supports Southampton Sea Cadets with the construction of new slipway

The slipway (pictured) was constructed in collaboration with DP World’s contracting partner, Earlcoate, and will greatly enhance the charity’s facilities and make it easier for their cadets to take part in sailing and maritime activities at their base in Southampton, alongside the River Itchen.

DP World is committed to supporting the local communities in which it operates, including at its Southampton logistics hub. This initiative follows the successful fundraising partnership announced in January with the Saints Foundation – the charitable arm of Southampton Football Club – and being awarded the ‘Best Apprenticeship Employer (Corporate)’ at Portsmouth Engineering Training Association’s Apprenticeship and Employer of the Year Awards in 2022.

The Southampton Sea Cadets is open to young people aged 10 to 18. It offers a variety of different activities, ranging from sailing to powerboating, providing the younger generation with the opportunity to learn key leadership skills, and gain qualifications whilst being led by a team of volunteers.

Jonathan Scott, Head of Engineering at DP World, said: ‘’We are delighted with the launch of the new state-of-the-art slipway, which we delivered alongside our partner Earlcoate, that will greatly benefit the local sea cadets club. We’re proud of our ongoing commitment to support local communities through direct investment, with the aim that we will establish a lasting and positive legacy across the regions in which we operate.’’

Andrew Moll, Chairman of Trustees, Southampton Sea Cadets, said: “The unit’s old slipway had deteriorated badly and was becoming hazardous. DP World, and their partners Earlcoate, have saved our boating season as we could not afford to refurbish the slipway ourselves. Thanks to their generosity and work we now have a fantastic facility that supports our kayakers, rowers and dinghy sailors and, I am pleased to say, the slipway was in use as soon as the concrete had dried. It has been a tremendous effort and we cannot thank them enough.’’

Globally, DP World aims to minimise the environmental impact of its operations – the goal is zero harm to the environment. Earlier this year, DP World launched a new £15m community investment fund at one of its other UK sites at London Gateway, which is being distributed to promote community projects, social infrastructure and skills training in the area. ©Copyright - DP World 2023

In addition to its UK hubs at Southampton and London Gateway, DP World’s offer includes the P&O Ferries and P&O Ferrymasters subsidiaries, and contract logistics businesses respectively, all of which are being integrated into the company’s global network. Operating in 78 countries, DP World now handles 10 per cent of world trade.