Sustainability is at the core of Associated British Ports' latest vision, presenting a route towards Newport becoming a clean-manufacturing and logistics growth cluster which is ready for the next industrial age.
ABP’s plans centre around energy and include a focus on harnessing wind and solar sources, which will ultimately be linked to hydrogen electrolysis and e-fuels manufacturing plants. These facilities, along with carbon capture and heat networks, will underpin next-generation manufacturing and logistics, attracting a new cluster of businesses looking to future-proof their operations.
The development will also be connected to low-carbon rail and marine logistics and expected to create hundreds of jobs at the resulting Newport clean growth hub.
While the plan includes innovations that aim to support business to future-proof and meet net zero targets, the classic port role will remain. ABP said it will also be investing in reconfigured access, new cargo-handling equipment, high-efficiency warehousing and ready-to-go development sites, and all with cutting-edge IT.
Ashley Curnow, Divisional Port Manager, ABP, commented: “This masterplan is a bold step towards a sustainable future. Newport has a history of reinvention, and we are now embarking on a journey that will position both the port, and the city of Newport as a key player in the evolution towards a decarbonised economy.
“The masterplan foresees a decade-long investment boom, and ABP’s investments will help provide superb service to customers, as well as delivering ABP’s commitment, as set out in our sustainability strategy – Ready for Tomorrow – to get our own operations to net zero by 2040.”
Jane Mudd MP said: “ABP’s commitment to sustainability and collaboration is commendable, and we’re excited about the potential this vision for Newport has to shape a brighter and greener future for our city.
“We look forward to working with ABP to implement the aspirations of the masterplan and bring benefits to the City of Newport and maximise the opportunities to zero carbon economy.”
Newport is the latest of ABP’s five ports in South Wales to have undergone an extensive masterplanning process – previously Barry and Port Talbot – and as part of ABP’s wider Wales Vision.
Ashley Curnow added: “We are at the start of a transformative journey for Newport and ABP is optimistic about Newport’s potential for a new era of innovative and productive growth.
“We see the Masterplan as an invitation to stakeholders, customers and the broader community to join ABP on this journey towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for Newport.”
See ABP’s full Vision Paper for Newport at www.abports.co.uk/future-ports-newport