 This has traditionally been important for the Port of Newport and will continue to play a part in the cargo mix, albeit not as a regular form of operational activity.’

A 2004 published navigation guide, ‘Ireland and the West Coast of England’ refers to ‘Explosive Anchorage Areas’ and describes them as being 4 miles south-east from the port entrance and that 48hours notice should be given to the port authorities

In May 2019 the United States Air Force (USAF Europe) moved half a million pounds of net explosives weight from the port to RAF Welford (Berkshire), unloaded from a chartered US ship Ocean Globe at night due to restrictions and the ship's movements.The area at the head of the Newport Valleys, from Tredegar to Pontypool, was rich in minerals