ABP’s network of five ports in South Wales, which include Newport, handled 12.5 million tonnes of cargo in 2017 thanks to an investment in infrastructure and an ongoing commitment to delivering the highest standards of customer service.

ABP runs the ports at Newport, Cardiff, Barry, Port Talbot and Swansea.

Year-on-year growth was seen in several commodities including fertiliser to support the agriculture sector and aggregates for manufacturing which both saw 14 per cent growth up on 2016, whilst animal feed leapt by some 54 per cent. Recyclables increased by 72 per cent and scrap metal, both exports and imports, doubled in volume compared to the previous year, registering a rise of 108 per cent.

ABP South Wales director Matthew Kennerley said: “Our five ports are continuing to see strong growth thanks to the investment we have been delivering in enhanced infrastructure and facilities. This has helped both new and longstanding customers to further develop and grow their businesses.

“Our ports in South Wales are vital strategic assets of national importance. Strong growth across our ports is not just success for ABP and our customers, it’s success for the Welsh economy.

“Every year our ports contribute £1.4m to the economy and support 15,000 jobs. We are committed to continuing to invest to support our customers, enabling that contribution to grow. We’re excited about the growth that our investment promises to deliver in the year ahead.”

ABP South Wales welcomed several new businesses to their ports throughout 2017.

Investments were also made into key pieces of infrastructure to ensure the future stability of ABP’s South Wales ports and the surrounding area. In August 2017, the refurbishment of Green Park in Port Talbot was completed. This 18 month major renovation project represents an investment of £2.7 million by ABP South Wales. It will provide huge benefits to the River Afan in terms of improved water management and increased water security for TATA’s Port Talbot steel works.