Feature, Freight News, Sea

New contract fuels Cardiff growth

[ June 23, 2020   //   Chris ]

ABP’s Port of Cardiff has commenced a new contract with fuels and petrochemical product refiner Valero.

The new long-term agreement includes occupation of a 12-acre storage and distribution terminal adjacent to ABP’s Roath Dock which will be fed by coastal tankers. Valero uses a coastal shipping service linking its West Wales refinery in Pembroke to its network of storage and distribution terminals around the UK and Ireland.

As part of the agreement, Valero will be importing predominantly road fuels, including petrol, ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD) and biofuels, as well as heating fuels, into Cardiff for distribution to South Wales. Around 1.5 million people live in the Cardiff Capital Region, half the population of Wales.

ABP has invested over £400,000 in jetty infrastructure upgrades and recently completed a five year, £5 million programme to replace the inner and outer lock gates.

Cardiff port manager Steven Harrison, said: “This new contract will help ensure that Welsh businesses have the fuel they need to keep trading at this difficult time and into the future as the economy recovers.”

Regional director for ABP’s Wales and short sea ports, Andrew Harston, added: “Valero is a great example of a company that is able to use sea transport for the 100 mile journey from Pembroke to Cardiff. ABP has a longstanding relationship with Valero and we look forward to this continuing our collaboration into the future with this new agreement.”

Tags: ABP; Associated British Ports