British port of Milford Haven has greenlighted a major project that is set to make Pembroke Dock a centre for marine renewable energy research and development.
The Port has allocated £650,000 to kick start dockyard improvements which will form part of Pembroke Dock Marine, the £76m Swansea Bay City Deal project, which will see the Port partner with Marine Energy Wales, ORE Catapult and Wave Hub, to develop a world class centre for marine energy research and development, fabrication, testing and deployment, in Pembrokeshire.
The funding will maintain momentum on the crucial planning and consenting work and will help ensure building work can commence quickly once the City Deal business plan has been signed off, according to an official statement by the port.
“Pembrokeshire’s capacity to capitalise on its unique location and supply chain, next to one of the Country’s richest areas for marine renewable energy, is limited only by its intent to put in place the infrastructure, partnerships and funding necessary. The Port is only one of the partners involved in the project, of course, accounting for 37% of the total package, but we are stating, in the clearest terms possible, that we are committed to making Pembroke Dock Marine a world-leading centre in this fast-growing sector,” stressed Chief Executive Alec Don.
As explained, Pembroke Dock Marine will enable Pembrokeshire to be at the heart of an emerging industry with a potential market predicted to be worth around €53bn each year, while the link with academic partners would help develop valuable skills among school leavers, improving their prospects of moving into high value employment without leaving the region.
“This is an exciting project that could transform the area and it will bring opportunities for local people and businesses,” said the port’s Engineering Director Tim Bownes. “We will be asking all interested parties to come forward if they have any questions about the project. Our door will be open. There will also be formal consultations taking place in due course.”
