Ports :ABP invests to enhance operations at Port of Newport

Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading and best-connected port operator, has invested nearly £4 million in new equipment to enhance operations at the Port of Newport during the last 9 months

As the UK continues to come to terms with the economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading and best-connected port operator, has invested nearly £4 million in new equipment to enhance operations at the Port of Newport during the last 9 months

The most recent investments are in a new Liebherr mobile crane and a Sany 32 tonnes state-of-the-art heavy duty forklift truck, which represent a combined investment of £2.3 million. Having arrived in August, the truck will assist in the handling of large volumes of steel coils and slabs at Newport. With 32 tonnes of lifting capacity, the machine will allow ABP’s team to load heavier cargo in a single lift and continue to provide the best services to our customers.

Carbon footprint

This follows last year’s investment in a £1.4 million new energy-efficient material handler to benefit customers in Newport, which was commissioned in November 2019. Using the latest technology, the Mantsinen 120M is also fitted with a HybriLift energy storage system which reduces energy consumption by 35% as part of ABP’s drive to reduce its carbon footprint.

ABP’s Port of Newport is the leading general cargo port in Wales and the second largest steel handling port in the UK. It handles a wide range of cargoes for its customers, including steel, forest products, and bulk materials for the agricultural sector. Newport is the principle port for Tata Steel’s exports from South Wales and already in 2020 has handled 700 thousand tonnes of export products.

Andrew HarstonRegional Director, ABP Wales & Short Sea Ports

“Our continued investment in ABP’s business in Wales shows our commitment to the regional economy, local jobs and serving our customers. The Port of Newport sits within ABP’s Wales & Short Sea Port region and is one of 21 ABP ports spread across the UK, which have continued to operate safely throughout the pandemic to keep the economy moving.”

Steven HarrisonPort Manager at Newport

“I am proud of our colleagues, who, as key workers, have continued to do a great job working safely and following appropriate measures throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to keep the economy moving. This latest investment will continue to support and protect jobs and help us in delivering the best possible service to our customers.”

With demonstrable access to investment, the Port of Newport is equipped to meet future demand and will be in a strong position to maintain its place as the leading general cargo port in Wales. Located close to the M4 and A449/M50 it also has great connectivity to Wales, the West Country and M4 corridor and the Midlands, which remains a key destination for imports via Newport.

Businesses interested

Businesses interested in finding out more about leasing and development opportunities at the Port of Newport are invited to contact ABP’s property agents Cushman & Wakefield or visit property.abports.co.uk for more information.

On the other hand , Associated British Ports (ABP) welcomes Andy Reay to the Commercial team, as he is appointed to lead the development of ABP’s Offshore Wind solutions.

With over 30 years’ experience of the offshore wind industry, ABP’s leading centres of offshore wind include the £310 million offshore wind facility at Green Port Hull (a joint investment with Siemens Gamesa) and operations and maintenance facilities in Grimsby, Barrow and Lowestoft. Andy’s role has been created to build on these strong foundations and drive forward the growth of offshore wind- an important strand of the company’s future strategy.

Andy will take up the role in October and will bring to ABP a wealth of experience of the offshore wind and renewable energy industry, joining from DEME Offshore. A former member of the Renewables UK Board, Andy is also on the advisory board of the Team Humber Marine Alliance and a member of the Offshore Energy and Subsea Working Group for the North East Local Enterprise Partnership.

Julian Walker, ABP’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Andy is a key hire for the ABP: the UK Government set an ambitious target in the Offshore Wind Deal for 40GW by 2030, and ABP is uniquely placed to help achieve this. I am delighted that Andy will be at the forefront of developing the next generation of offshore wind land infrastructure, further strengthening our existing team and bringing together ABP’s decades of expertise and unparalleled land bank in strategic port locations.”

Press – release