The area has three ports at Weymouth, Portland and Poole.  The deep water Portland Port is located in the second largest man made harbour in the world accommodating vessels of 11.5m draft alongside and 20m draft in the outer harbour. Poole Harbour which is one of the largest natural harbours in the world has undergone a deepening of its main channel to 7.5m and can now accommodate vessels in excess of 25,000 tonnes.  In 2006, 380,000 passengers and 80,000 lorries made use of the port. Poole is well placed to handle freight and boasts a rail head.  Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries are the main ferry operators.  Both Portland and Poole Ports have high expectations for the future with plans to attract cruise liners and feeder container traffic.  At Weymouth, Condor Ferries provide fast ferry services to St Malo in France and the Channel Isles.

A map below showing port distribution and logistics for Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole.