Jobs and investment boost for UK’s largest steel-handling port

(Posted on 14/09/25)

The First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan and Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, have visited Associated British Ports (ABP’s) Port of Newport, to celebrate a major milestone in Welsh industry and regional growth.

Joined by stakeholders from Welsh business and the Newport community, the First Minister welcomed both Newport’s status as the UK’s leading steel-handling port and ABP’s commitment to investing in the future of the port and the city.

The event, held on Thursday 11 September, brought together customers, supply chain partners and civic leaders to celebrate the Port of Newport’s capabilities and ABP’s ambitious development plans. These plans will see ABP invest over £80 million and create around 50 new full-time jobs, strengthening the Port at Newport’s leading position as a crucial hub for the Welsh, but also as a key gateway for global trade.

First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, said: “Investment in our port infrastructure is vital in unlocking our economic ambitions. Newport handles around £1 billion of UK trade each year and supports over 4,000 jobs, making a huge contribution to the regional economy.

“It’s fantastic to hear about ABP’s commitment to Wales, which will help deliver our priority to create jobs, make families better off and build an economy the people of Wales can be proud of.”

Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Economy and Planning, added: “Collaboration is key to the success of our ports and investment in port infrastructure is vital to unlocking our economic ambitions. ABP plays a key logistical role in supporting the growth of renewable energy, as well as heavy industry, helping make Newport the largest steel handling port in the UK for nine years in a row.”

ABP’s investment has seen the introduction of world-leading cargo-handling equipment such as magnet-equipped Liebherr cranes and Kalmar forklift trucks, significantly enhancing the safety and operational efficiency at the port.

Supported by the specialist steel logistics expertise of W.E. Dowds, Newport is the UK’s largest steel handling port, having handled 2 million tonnes of steel in 2024, accounting for 29% of the UK’s total iron and steel products.[1]

Ashley Curnow, Divisional Port Manager, Wales and Southwest at ABP, said:

“We were delighted to host the First Minister and Cabinet Secretary to see first-hand how ABP is boosting jobs and investment at the Port of Newport. Our ambitious plans for development will see over £80 million of investment and over 50 jobs to support Newport as the UK’s largest steel handling port.

“This investment in capabilities and infrastructure will ensure the highest level of delivery for our customers. We are also excited to be announcing more development plans for the port in the near future.”

“Due to its prime location and multi-modal connectivity, many of the port’s customers are into the Midlands and beyond, which means Newport is playing a vital role in connecting Welsh industry to international markets and supporting the UK’s wider supply chain.”

Newport’s history in steel dates back to the late 19th century, and ABP is proud to continue supporting this legacy and playing an integral role in the success of the UK’s steel industry and the wider Welsh and UK economies.

Latest News

Karachi Gateway agreement to develop clean bulk handling and storage facility

Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a global enabler of integrated trade, transport, industry, and logistics... Read more

30 Years of DUKC at Port Hedland

This year marks a significant milestone in maritime innovation as Port Hedland, Australia, celebrates... Read more

Major capital investment programme for ABP’s South Wales ports

Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading port operator, has announced the latest tranche... Read more

Strategic partnership for Vietnam-Japan green supply chain

During the Investment, Labour, and Trade Promotion Programme in Japan (November 16–22, 2025),... Read more

AD Ports signs two KEZAD land Leases of over 500,000sqm with Indian firms

AD Ports Group subsidiary Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi - KEZAD Group, the largest operator of integrated... Read more

AD Ports reports record Q3 net profit of AED596M

Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a global enabler of integrated trade, transport, industry, and logistics... Read more

Peel Ports halves operational greenhouse gas emissions in five years

Peel Ports Group has achieved a 48% reduction in operational greenhouse gas emissions in the last five... Read more

Métivier appointed President and CEO of Trois-Rivières Port Authority

The Trois-Rivières Port Authority (TRPA) in Canada has announced the appointment of Mr. Anick... Read more

Automated pulp handling boosts efficiency and safety at Rauma terminal

Euroports commitment to continuously improving operational efficiency, enhancing workplace safety, and... Read more

Bilbao forges closer ties with the COSCO Group

Under the slogan ‘Your Intermodal Link Between China, Iberia and the Atlantic Markets,’... Read more