(Commonwealth) _ Portsmouth-based shipping and cargo handling company, previously known as MMD Shipping Services, has unveiled its new brand, “Portico.” This transformation comes alongside a significant £15 million investment over the next decade aimed at modernizing and improving their operations. Portico, situated as a deep-sea port with exceptional transport links by road, rail, and sea, is geared to enhance its business profile. This change was motivated by extensive feedback from customers, suppliers, industry leaders, and insights from their staff. The goal was to create a professional brand that resonated with the marine and maritime industry in which they operate and the aspirations they have for their business. Over the next few weeks, Portico will transition to its official brand following updates to digital and IT services. Customers are being informed about these changes as the transition progresses to ensure a smooth adoption of the new name.
Mike Sellers, the Managing Director of Portico, expressed, “As an established operator for many global shippers, we are considered a credible market leader in the industry and want a brand identity to match. In response to market and customer demand, we have redeveloped the site and already secured major contracts, firstly with global offshore wind company MHI Vestas, Ferryspeed’s Channel Island service, and more recently with international fruit importer Seatrade. These long-term contracts illustrate how we’re both diversifying our business by handling the world’s largest wind turbines and responding to changes in the industry while also sustaining the core business of fresh imports.”
Portico offers a range of services, including customs, shipping, stevedores, freight forwarding, and cargo handling. The £15 million investment encompasses various improvements, including relocating the head office to a prominent location, enhancing access for customers and staff, and freeing up an additional 11,000 m² of quayside storage for project cargo or up to 1,600 TEUs of containers. Furthermore, this investment will facilitate a substantial site layout restructuring through automation to efficiently manage haulers and optimize quayside space for cargo handling, ultimately increasing Portico’s capacity and accommodating larger vessels.
The company’s long-term vision includes a total investment of £50 million over 20 years to fully optimize the site, with the initial £15 million set to kickstart the development for the first decade. Steve Williams, Portico’s Operations Director, commented on this transformation, saying, “We are going through significant change and have a real opportunity to become a leading player in the shipping industry. Our commercial team has been dealing with a record number of inquiries, so it’s essential we’re able to manage an increase in business, which means this investment is vital. We also have a new senior management team, which includes ports industry experts from the private sector, who will strengthen the service and develop the business plan. All combined, we’re confident that Portico’s impact as a successful, serious company will continue to grow and become the port of choice for the industry.”
To ensure the changes are as cost-effective as possible, the company will begin by updating digital assets, followed by other branded elements on a refresh and replenish basis, aligning with maintenance updates. Portico’s evolution signifies a significant milestone for the maritime and shipping sector, underscoring its unwavering dedication to innovation, expansion, and the delivery of top-notch services. Backed by substantial financial investment and a well-defined strategic outlook, Portico is poised to assume a prominent role within the industry. This transformative journey not only demonstrates a commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements but also positions Portico as a key player, well-equipped to meet the evolving demands and expectations of its customers and partners.
