We, as subscribers, followers and members of Solent Ships and Ahoy Shipmate YouTube streaming channels, politely request the ABP Port Authority and ABP Southampton review their decision to request the cessation of all live-streams and recordings made by Solent Ships within the Southampton Port area.

The site was originally set up, as the owner had a keen interest in boats and shipping, especially within the Southampton area where he resides. He could not have foreseen how popular the channel would become, with over 23,000 subscribers.

 This channel provided a vital life-line during the COVID lockdowns and isolation, with some good friendships being made, as well as ability to watch and follow shipping at the Port of Southampton.

The owner and administrators are very proactive in warning members, taking down posts and barring persons who do not follow the site’s rules, with any information provided in the movements and operation of ships also being freely available from the ABP Southampton website.

Some of the cruise liner companies have used links to this channel for the arrivals and departures of their vessels as well as the free advertising and support for Red Funnel ferries.

We would also ask that rather than take this channel completely down, that you work with the channel’s owner in what is or is not acceptable to be shown or broadcast within the Port area.

Please allow those of us with an interest in shipping and the Southampton Port area a chance to have our channels returned.