OVERSEEING the loading of up to 6,000 items of luggage and 240 tonnes of provisions every day is just a normal day at the office for John Garner, terminal manager for Solent Stevedores.

Over 47 years of working at ABP Port of Southampton he’s seen a lot of changes, including the introduction of innovative equipment to keep up with the estimated 1.75 million people who will pass through the port this year, and all of their luggage.

John said: “Essentially the process of loading and disembarking ships has remained the same for the 30 years I have been terminal manager – we still have just nine or 10 hours to turn a whole ship around, including loading all provisions and engineering equipment.

“What has changed is the amount of people each cruise liner carries, which means we’ve had to develop much more efficient ways of getting all the baggage on and off.”

John oversees a team of 80 to 90 members of staff who are responsible for every stage of the baggage process. Life has come full circle for John, who used to work on Cunard ships before he began baggage handling for Solent Stevedores.

“I love that I still look out at the boats everyday. I’m from a seafaring family and it feels right to still be a part of the industry.

“It feels great to know you’re providing a fantastic service to passengers at the beginning of what might be a holiday of a lifetime.

“I’m such a people person and meeting people is one of my favourite parts of the job.”