Associated British Ports (ABP) is committing GBP42 million (USD55.7 million) to upgrade its ports in south Wales, with a flagship project to deliver a deepwater berth at Middle Quay in Newport.
The development at the port of Newport will increase the port’s handling capacity, with the new berth capable of accommodating vessels up to 220 m LOA. ABP said that with multimodal connectivity, including direct access to the M4 and links to the national rail network, the port of Newport provides logistics advantages for bulk cargo, project cargo and steel products.
Ashley Curnow, divisional port manager, Wales and Southwest at ABP, said: “Introducing a new deepsea berth to the market is a cornerstone of our strategy for Newport and for our South Wales ports more widely. It is rare to see a new quayside of this scale come to market, and it will unlock new opportunities for trade and investment across the region.”
Alongside the Newport upgrade, ABP’s investment will deliver significant infrastructure improvements at its ports of Swansea and Cardiff. The former provides strategic access for renewable energy projects and bulk commodities, while Cardiff is a key hub for construction materials, agribulk and project cargo.
Upgrades at both ports will improve operational efficiency and ensure customers benefit from modern, sustainable infrastructure.
This latest tranche of funding forms part of ABP’s capital investment programme in south Wales, which totals GBP137 million (USD181.8 million).
