Our Economy and Industries

The Solent's marine industry sector contains a wide diversity of businesses. In additional to the commercial ports, there are industrial processing sites requiring waterside locations for bulk shipping transport and/or the ready supply of seawater for use within processes, for example Esso Oil Refinery.

Military use of the Solent is of substantial economic importance to the region and centres primarily on Portsmouth Harbour and Marchwood Military Port.

Additionally, there are businesses requiring waterside location and/or use of waterspace, to provide services for recreational and commercial craft, such as marinas, boatyards, shipwards and sailing clubs.

There is also the maritime research and development sector and national manufacturers or service providers located in the Solent region by choice, including defence industries.

The natural resources of the Solent have been exploited since humans first came to live on its shores. Fish have been an important resource for centuries and more recently marine aggregates are landed here for the construction industry.

The Solent coast and waters are an important recreational zone both for local people and tourists from further afield. Tourism, therefore, is an essential part of the area's economy, especially to the Isle of Wight.

Detailed information on the economy of the south east, which includes the Solent, can be found in the South East Plan.