The steelworks had integrated under the British Steel Corporation, and the post-war planned Abbey Works had opened in 1951, and was fully operational by 1953.

Completed in 1970, it was the first dry-bulk cargo terminal in the UK capable of accepting ships in excess of 100,000 tonnes deadweight (DWT).

The amount of power was required to climb Stormy Bank, located just west of Margam, where the train would only reach 8 miles per hour (13 km/h) at the top.

[4] Margam Knuckle handles other goods shipped through the port, as well as regional traffic including shipments to/from RNAD Trecwn.

[4] The yard is about 1 mile (1.6 km) east of Port Talbot Parkway, with few facilities and no bridges by which rail spotters can see operations.