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

Teesport automated weighbridges boost bulk cargo efficiency

PD Ports has successfully introduced fully automated weighbridge systems at Teesport and Hartlepool,... Read more

Mixed picture for Antwerp-Bruges in volatile trade climate

In the first nine months of 2025, Port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 202.6 million tonnes of maritime goods... Read more

NPRC presents strategic course at 90th anniversary assembly

The 90th General Assembly of the inland shipping cooperative NPRC has highlighted the importance of... Read more

Bilbao leads in transparency among Spanish ports

The Bilbao Port Authority has obtained the highest score in the second evaluation of the Mandatory Information... Read more

Embassy reception highlights Hamburg – Czech Republic partnership

The economic and logistical ties between the Czech Republic and Hamburg were brought to the attention... Read more

Italian ports expand capabilities with Liebherr

Liebherr has dispatched four additional mobile harbour cranes to Italy, reaffirming its role in the... Read more

Euroports celebrates 25-year Terminal Rinfuse Venezia concession

Euroports, Europe’s largest port infrastructure operator, has celebrated its new strategic 25-... Read more

PhilaPort acquires 152-acre Mustin Yard

PhilaPort has announced that it has acquired the Mustin Yard Property from Norfolk Southern Corporation... Read more

Top marks for Newcastle, NSW in global sustainability rating

Port of Newcastle, the largest on Australia’s east coast, has reaffirmed its position as a global... Read more

Jeroen Eijsink takes over as CEO of HHLA

Jeroen Eijsink took over as Chief Executive Officer of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) on 1 October... Read more