Work is underway on a £4.5m project to provide additional warehousing at Associated British Ports' (ABP) Newport to accommodate growth seen in agriculture-related cargo volumes.

Once commissioned at North Side, South Dock, the 21 Shed will provide 70k sq ft of covered storage facilities. Last year, the Welsh Port of Newport handled 14% more bulk fertilizer imports than in 2016, as well as 54% year-on-year more animal feed imports.

ABP recently invested in Newport’s agribulk capacities, including £3.3m in new cranes in 2015, and £2.3m in a 3.5k sq ft warehouse and weighbridge facilities a year later.

"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," Ralph Windeatt, Port Manager for Newport, said.

Photo: Associated British Ports