As the UK continues to come to terms with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, UK’s leading and best-connected port operator Associated British Ports (ABP) has invested nearly GBP 4 million in new equipment to enhance operations at the Port of Newport during the last 9 months.
The most recent investments are in a new Liebherr mobile crane and a Sany 32 tonnes heavy duty forklift truck, which represent a combined investment of GBP 2.3 million. Having arrived in August, the truck will help with huge volumes of steel coils and slabs at Newport. With 32 tonnes of lifting capacity, the machine will enable ABP’s team to load heavier shipments in a single lift.
This follows last year’s investment in a GBP 1.4 million new energy-efficient material handler to help customers in Newport which was commissioned in November 2019. With the help of latest technology, the Mantsinen 120M is also outfitted with a HybriLift energy storage system which reduces power consumption by 35% as part of ABP’s target to lessen its carbon footprint.
Andrew Harston, Regional Director, ABP Wales & Short Sea Ports said, “Our continued investment in ABP’s business in Wales shows our commitment to the regional economy, local jobs and serving our customers. The Port of Newport sits within ABP’s Wales & Short Sea Port region and is one of 21 ABP ports spread across the UK, which have continued to operate safely throughout the pandemic to keep the economy moving.”
Steven Harrison, Port Manager at Newport said, “I am proud of our colleagues, who, as key workers, have continued to do a great job working safely and following appropriate measures throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to keep the economy moving. This latest investment will continue to support and protect jobs and help us in delivering the best possible service to our customers.”
Port of Newport is located near the M4 and A449/M50 and has incredible connectivity to Wales, the West Country, M4 hall and the Midlands, which stays a key spot for imports via Newport.
ABP’s Port of Newport is the leading general cargo port in Wales and the second largest steel handling port in the UK. It handles a wide range of cargoes for its customers, including steel, forest products, and bulk materials for the agricultural sector. Newport is the principle port for Tata Steel’s exports from South Wales and already in 2020 has handled 700 thousand tonnes of export products.
