In 1380, King Richard II granted permission for merchants from the Iberian Peninsula and Galway to engage in direct trade, strengthening the city's commercial links with France, Flanders, and Italy.

[6][failed verification] The port primarily handles bulk cargo such as fuel, timber, cement, and fishery products, with an annual throughput of approximately 500,000 tonnes of goods as of 2022.

[7] The port also supports leisure activities such as sailing and marine tourism, with facilities for small vessels and recreational users.

[citation needed] The port operates a coastal tide gate system to regulate water levels and ensure safe navigation within the harbour.

[2] Its facilities include warehouses, storage areas, and a customs checkpoint to streamline the handling of cargo and passenger services.