Major capital investment programme for ABP’s South Wales ports

(Posted on 02/12/25)

Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading port operator, has announced the latest tranche of its major capital investment programme, which secures the long-term future of its five south Wales ports.

The new investment of £42 million includes the delivery of a new deep-water berth at Middle Quay, Newport, the UK’s largest steel-handling port, and will also facilitate upgrades at Swansea and Cardiff. It forms part of a total capital investment programme of £137m for ABP in South Wales, which is designed to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of South Wales’ port infrastructure.

The announcement coincides with the Welsh Government’s Investment Summit, where the First Minister highlighted announced several major investments in Wales – an event ABP is proud to attend as part of its commitment to driving growth and opportunity across the region.

The landmark development at the Port of Newport, with the introduction of a new quayside represents a significant opportunity to increase the port’s handling capacity. It will enable the port to handle some of the world’s largest vessels and strengthen its role in global supply chains. It will also unlock significant opportunities for businesses seeking access to international trade routes.

Alongside the Newport upgrade, ABP’s investment will deliver significant infrastructure improvements at its ports of Swansea and Cardiff – two locations that play a vital role in supporting diverse cargoes and regional industries. Cardiff is a key hub for construction materials, agribulk and project cargo, while Swansea provides strategic access for renewable energy projects and bulk commodities. These upgrades will improve operational efficiency and ensure customers benefit from modern, sustainable infrastructure.

First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, said, “I’m delighted that ABP has announced this significant investment in Welsh ports at our Wales Investment Summit today. Long term investment in our port infrastructure is vital to economic growth and international trade and investment, especially to key strategic industries such as offshore wind. This investment is a real boost for our coastal economies and the people and businesses who rely on them.”

Ashley Curnow, Divisional Port Manager, Wales and Southwest at ABP, said, “Introducing a new deep-sea berth to the market is a cornerstone of our strategy for Newport and for our South Wales ports more widely. It is rare to see a new quayside of this scale come to market, and it will unlock new opportunities for trade and investment across the region.”

The new berth will be capable of accommodating vessels up to 220m LOA (Length Over All). With multi-modal connectivity, including direct access to the M4 and links to the national rail network, the Port of Newport provides unrivalled logistics advantages for bulk cargo, project cargo and steel products. Businesses will also benefit from open storage opportunities of up to 8 acres and build-to-suit industrial and warehouse units of up to 133,000 sq ft, creating flexible solutions close to the quay.

This programme forms part of ABP’s wider strategy to invest in its UK port network, supporting sustainable growth and enabling customers to meet evolving market demands.