A UK Docks team attended Southern Sustainability’s recent Expo, looking for ways to further strengthen the company’s environmental credentials.
The event, held at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on October 29th, 2026, brought together businesses from across the region to explore practical ways to reduce environmental impact and adopt more sustainable working practices.
For UK Docks Director Charlie Barley and project co-ordinator Sheryl Richards, it also offered opportunities to find new tips and ideas for day-to-day opportunities to further embed sustainability into the business.
Charlie and Sheryl picking up sustainability tops at Southern Sustainability’s showpiece Expo.
Charlie said: “The Sustainability Expo was a great opportunity to hear from businesses and organisations that are making a real difference in their sectors.
“We also heard from expert speakers who can offer real insights and advice that companies are able to act upon.
“One of the key messages we took away was that sustainability doesn't always require large-scale changes.
“Often, it's the small, consistent actions taken every day that create the biggest long-term impact."
At UK Docks Marine Services, sustainability hasn't come from one major initiative or single project, but from numerous small changes that make a big difference over time.
It has grown through everyday decisions across operations, the supply chain, and workplaces, and while each step might seem small in isolation, together they contribute to a more responsible and sustainable way of doing business.
As a marine services provider operating across the UK, UK Docks Marine Services recognises that sustainability must be considered at every stage of the business.
This includes working closely with customers, suppliers and transportation partners to ensure vessel movements and associated logistics are carried out as efficiently as possible. The company also continues to prioritise sustainably sourced products and equipment wherever practical and has invested in electric vehicles as part of its wider environmental strategy.
Across its operations, UK Docks is committed to recycling materials used in contract delivery and managing waste responsibly.
The company also looks beyond operations, focusing on sustainable choices in its offices and staff facilities.
From providing sustainably sourced products for employees to introducing chewing gum recycling bins, the Exop highlighted practical initiatives that help reduce waste and encourage responsible behaviours.
Moving away from disposable paper cups in favour of reusable mugs is another example of how small changes can make a meaningful contribution over time.
Charlie added: "Sustainability is everyone's responsibility and, for us, it's about creating a culture where people think about the impact of the decisions they make every day.
“Whether it's reducing waste, recycling materials, choosing sustainable suppliers or encouraging reusable alternatives in the workplace, all of these actions add up.
Sustainability and decarbonisation have become major talking points in the marine industry, both nationally and internationally, as maritime organisations worldwide seek to reduce pollution and emissions.
UK ports are also aggressively looking for ways to decarbonise quickly and promote sustainability, and UK Docks plays its part within that movement.
The company believes that collaboration is an important part of achieving sustainability goals. By sharing ideas, learning from others and engaging with industry partners, UK Docks plans to improve its environmental performance while continuing to deliver high-quality services to customers across the maritime sector.
Attendance at events such as the Southern Sustainability Expo reinforces that commitment, providing opportunities to learn, exchange best practice, and identify new ways to operate more sustainably.