The Queen Alexandra lock has guarded the Port of Cardiff since 1905, now, as part of a £3.6m investment across the region the inner lock gates have been replaced.
The Port of Cardiff is the first of three of Associated British Ports’ South Wales ports to receive major structural engineering work with the installation of new lock gates, for only the second time in the lock’s 109 year history, APB says in its press release.
Over the next three months, the outer gates at Port Talbot will also be replaced and the gates at Barry will undergo major refurbishment.
The lock gate replacement programme at the Port of Cardiff represents £2 million of the total investment, which will see both the North and South inner lock gates replaced.
The Port of Cardiff serves the local industry in South Wales, the Midlands and the M4 corridor and offers Welsh businesses access to international markets.
ABP Director South Wales Matthew Kennerley said: “The replacement of the lock gates is essential in maintaining our key operational assets to ensure the port continues to operate efficiently”
"We handle over 12 million tonnes of cargo every year across our South Wales ports and welcome a wide variety of businesses and customers through the lock on a daily basis.
“The new gates will secure a safe, resilient and effective lock operation for many years to come ensuring the Port of Cardiff remains open for business for Wales and beyond”
The new gates are designed and constructed by Dutch specialist contractor Ravestein who recently completed the Special design, construction, installation, testing and commissioning of new Lock Gates at ABP’s Port of Grimsby.