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Page last updated at 12:29 GMT, Thursday, 22 May 2008 13:29 UK

Ports' resurgence as imports grow

Increased imports are breathing new life into Welsh ports.

By Nick Servini
Business correspondent, BBC Wales

Ports in Wales were once famous for exporting coal around the world, until the decline of the industry.

But a number of them are busier now than they have been for decades - this time not for exporting, but importing a huge variety of goods into the country.

More than 3m tonnes of cargo passed through Cardiff last year.

While growing business is good news for the ports, many will see it as a sad reminder of the decline of Wales as a producer of goods that people want.

Ted Sangster, chief executive of Milford Haven Port Authority, said: "10 years ago when I came to Milford Haven the situation in Pembrokeshire and in the port was much different to what it is now - there had been a number of changes.

"One of the refineries had closed down, unemployment in the county was at a very high level and amongst the highest in Wales - there was a real air of not despondency, but real concern.

Cardiff's port
Cardiff's port was the busiest in the world at the end of the 19th Century

"Looking back now ten years, that is well behind us and the Pembrokeshire economy is significantly better and also improving."

According to latest figures, Milford Haven has one-fifth of the UK's petrol and diesel coming through its port - and soon one-quarter of the UK's gas supply will be processed there as two liquefied natural gas terminals come on stream.

Last year, Milford Haven had 51m tonnes of cargo and about 3,000 ships arrive, making it the fifth biggest port in the UK.

Milford Haven has also just celebrated its 50th year - and its busiest year.

Cardiff, Newport and Barry have also seen a resurgence as businesses use the ports for imports.

Callum Couper, deputy port manager South Wales at Associated British Ports, said: "Cardiff is a popular port for steel, as is Newport through road or rail to get these commodities to where they are used - through to the hinterlands in the Midlands."

The smaller port of Mostyn in Flintshire has also seen a busy year, thanks to the building of off-shore wind farms.




SEE ALSO
Mostyn dock wins P&O contract
06 Nov 01 |  Wales
Med cruise boost for Mostyn Docks
16 Jan 06 |  North East Wales
Gas plants slash county's jobless
18 Dec 06 |  South West Wales
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04 Dec 06 |  South West Wales

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