The £4.5 million project that will see an additional warehouse at ABP’s port of Newport has begun. The new warehouse, known as 21 Shed, will accommodate growth in the agriculture related cargo volumes and it will provide an additional 70,000 square feet of covered bulk storage facilities for port customers.

“Agribulk cargo volumes have been increasing steadily at Newport for several years. In order to support this, we have been proactive in our approach to investments for port customers to ensure that their businesses, and the local farmers, feed mills, and other industries they support, can continue to benefit from ABP’s services for many years to come,” said Ralph Windeatt, Port Manager for Newport.

The port has been supporting the growth of the agriculture sector for several years now. Last year it saw a 14% year on year growth in bulk fertiliser imports and a 54% increase in animal feed imports. With the 21 Shed on the way, the sector is sure to continue its development at the port.

Additionally, ABP have been investing in the agriculture sector at Newport, where they financed new cranes with £3.3 million in 2015 and invested £2.3 million in the construction of a 3,500 square feet warehouse, along with new weighbridge facilities, in 2016. The company has also worked towards improving the operational efficiency of the way this cargo is handled at the port, to make sure that customers receive a modern and efficient service.

The Port of Newport handled 2.2 million tonnes of cargo in 2017, while supporting 3,000 local jobs and contributing with £186 million to the Welsh economy.

ABP South Wales has five ports in Barry, Cardiff, Newport, Port Talbot, and Swansea, which contribute to the UK economy with £1.4 billion every year and support 15,000 jobs in the region.