Marine industries in Hampshire

Esso Fawley is the largest oil refinery in the UK, and one of the largest and most modern in Europe. More than 300,000 barrels of crude oil per day are processed there (about 20% of the UK total) and 2300 shipping movements are generated annually. At Fawley, Esso Petroleum and its sister company Exxon Chemical Limited employ around 1,700 people.

The building, servicing and repair of yachts and other small craft constitute an important industry on the Hampshire coast that is significant in a national context; 44% of the total revenue for the industry is generated in the South East region and 5% in the Solent.

The British Marine Federation has a membership of 1,450 companies, 10% of which are located in the Solent area. The Hamble River is one of the UK’s biggest boating centres, hosting a large range of boat support services.

Southampton hosts the largest boat show on water in Britain, and last year it had a turnover of £80 million.