Freight News, Sea

The ABP effect boosts Welsh economy

[ August 6, 2014   //   Chris ]

Associated British Ports’ five South Wales Ports contribute almost £1 billion directly into the Welsh economy and supports 15,000 jobs in the region, according to a report by independent consultants Arup. As far as the wider UK economy is concerned, the five ports -Swansea, Port Talbot, Cardiff, Barry and Newport – contribute £1.4 billion to the UK economy annually and support 21,000 UK jobs.

Together, the five South Wales Ports handle more than 12 million tonnes of cargo every year. It’s a diverse business, with Newport the UK’s second largest steel handling port, while in Port Talbot around 2.5 million tonnes of coal and 5.5 million tonnes of iron ore cross the quayside every year. Barry handles large quantities of liquid bulks for local industry, including silicon manufacturers Dow Corning. Cardiff operates Wales’ only container line, supporting access to global markets. Swansea handles cement, minerals, agribulks, aggregates and sand.

(A report on Wales appeared in FBJ 5 2014)

Tags: ABP