TEIGNMOUTH Port has had a good year with advances in key trades. Associated British Ports announced the news in its preliminary results on Wednesday. Overall tonnage increased by 4.75 per cent at Teignmouth, with gains in clay and animal feed. Imports of blast-furnace slag started to come through Teignmouth in October. Cited as an environmentally friendly alternative to cement, blast-furnace slag is shipped from Port Talbot in south Wales to Teignmouth via purpose-built suction facilities. The £5 million quay extension programme at Teignmouth is an important development for the viability of Teignmouth port, said the report. Works on the project are on target for a June completion. No piling has been carried out since last year though the infill of the second berth, installation of tie-rods and drainage ducts is virtually complete. It is expected that it will be operational by the middle of March, two weeks behind initial estimates. A plough is due on site to level the bottom of the second berth. Construction of the new bulk storage shed is also underway. Contractors Dean and Dyball have advised nearby residents of possible late night disruption caused by floor works. It is hoped that the recently completed shed walls will limit disruption. Colin Greenwell, ABP port manager, Plymouth & Teignmouth said: 'As the year-end numbers demonstrate, 2005 was a good year for the two ports. 'Looking ahead, the redevelopment of the Western Quays is continuing apace and will secure Teignmouth's position as a successful port for the future. 'Despite the port having two exceptionally busy months in December and January, the works are progressing well, with completion of the third quay still scheduled for the end of June,' he said. At Plymouth, ferry-passenger numbers have increased by three per cent and freight movements have grown by 25 per cent compared to the same period last year. The port also hosted nine cruise-ship calls, including three by Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas.