Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has advised the UK’s Ministry of Defence on the letting of a concession to Solent Gateway Limited to manage and exploit the commercial potential of Marchwood Military Port. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Marchwood Military Port is a 225 acre facility on Southampton water. It has been in continuous use since 1943. The Ministry of Defence has awarded Solent Gateway Limited a 35 year concession to commercially develop the port, while ensuring no reduction or interruption to the provision of core military services. The deal involves innovative partnering and profit sharing mechanisms so that the Ministry of Defence benefits from the development of the port over the full life of the concession.

Solent Gateway Limited is a joint venture between transport specialists David McBrayne Ltd and global logistics firm GBA (Holdings) Ltd.

The Freshfields deal team was led by partner Nick Bliss and of counsel Max Cairnduff.