 Completed in 1970, it was the first dry-bulk cargo terminal in the UK capable of accepting ships in excess of .Its completion enabled the complete closure of the old docks complex, the Beeching Axe and the UK miners' strike (1984–1985) having negated the need for coal export.Further dredging in 1996 deepened the harbour by 2.6 metres, increasing the maximum size of vessel that can be accommodated today to .