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Swansea Drydocks Limited (SDL) has recently welcomed its first vessel in more than three months following an extensive refurbishment.

The 4,933 dwt cargo vessel »Arklow Raider« was the first vessel to utilise the upgraded facilities operated by SDL at its base located in Associat[ds_preview]ed British Ports’ (ABP) port of Swansea. The extensive refurbishment involved major investment in essential infrastructure which included caisson, lock gates, impounding pumps, electrical systems, and engineering workshops.

The port of Swansea has a long history of ship repair that dates back to the early 20th century. SDL have signed a long term lease with ABP and will be utilising the port’s geographical position to dry dock vessels, of up to 35,000 dwt, that primarily operate in Northern European waters. Swansea Drydocks offers a complete lifecycle service that includes surveys, ongoing maintenance, repairs, and the recycling of end of life vessels.

SDL is convinced that the dry docks will also have a positive effect on local trade as vessels dry docking at Swansea will be able to offer shippers, and receivers of cargo, increased freight opportunities for importing and exporting goods via South Wales. The port of Swansea handles around 800,000 t of cargo per year which includes fertiliser, coal, wood pulp, sand, gravel, scrap metal and project cargo. ABP is the UK’s leading ports operator with 21 ports and other transport related businesses.