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CONSTRUCTION of a new oversized slipway and new workboat pontoons is underway at the Port of Pembroke. It marks a major step forward in realizing the Port of Milford Haven’s vision for the Milford Haven Waterway to play a vital role in stimulating new green growth in the region, while supporting the country’s transition towards a net zero future.
The new slipway will provide maximum flexibility for the launch and recovery of marine energy devices and vessels, while the pontoons will strengthen the port’s operations and maintenance proposition for the floating offshore wind (FLOW) industry.
Port of Milford Haven Commercial Director Steve Edwards said: “It is fantastic to see this development underway at the Port of Pembroke. The new, modernized spaces and facilities will be ideal for the growing low-carbon industry around the Celtic Sea as well as supply chain businesses that will benefit from the opportunities created here. We look forward to seeing huge changes over the next eighteen months, working with industry and academia to maximize local and regional benefits.
The work is accompanied by the renovation of the Annexes attached to the Sunderland Hangars. These are now halfway through construction and will create new office and workshop space for the industry. Later phases of the project will focus on creating large-scale depot spaces for device manufacturing and development.
The port infrastructure upgrade is part of the Pembroke Dock Marine project, a £60 million partnership between the Port of Milford Haven, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, Marine Energy Wales and Celtic Sea Power. The project is funded by the UK Government and the Welsh Government through the Swansea Bay City Deal, and by the public and private sectors. It is also partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.
This collaborative platform has already attracted companies from around the world that are at the forefront of research, development and manufacturing in the field of marine energy production, with the desire to do much more. Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, the UK’s leading technology, innovation and research center for offshore renewables, has also demonstrated its confidence in the region’s potential with the development of a center of engineering excellence multi-million pound marine energy company based at Pembroke Dock.
Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Place, Region and Climate Change, said:
“The Haven Waterway is inextricably linked to the health of the Pembrokeshire economy. We need to invest in the waterway to support jobs, but also to ensure it remains the UK’s leading energy port.
“Up to 30% of UK gas today, but also green/blue hydrogen and floating wind power tomorrow.
“These investments are the foundation upon which we hope the next generation of the energy industry will be built, and with it, the next generation of jobs in the energy sector.”
Cllr Rob Stewart, Chairman of the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee, said: “The City Deal is making significant progress in its ambition to grow the economy and create employment opportunities in Pembrokeshire and across the region, with a focus on the energy sector and renewable energies. technologies. We welcome BAM Nuttall on board to construct the pontoons and workboat slipway at Pembroke Harbour, which will help regenerate the harbor area and support the wider blue-green energy economy. This exciting development, coupled with the recent approval of the City Deal Skills & Talent pilot project, which will provide essential skills in the renewable energy sector, demonstrates our focus on reducing carbon emissions, supporting wind floating offshore and the growth of our young talent to support this sector.”
Civil engineering firm BAM Nuttall has been appointed to construct the new slipway and workboat pontoons.
Ian Hubbard, BAM’s Regional Director for South England and Wales, said: “The Port of Milford Haven has a vision for the regeneration of Pembroke Dock and BAM is delighted to play a part in it. The port is ideally suited to serve wave, tidal and wind power and this latest investment will help improve facilities on offer to the growing offshore renewable energy industry. BAM will employ a mix of local and specialist labor to deliver its work, so this contract will create jobs in the Pembrokeshire area and help modernize port facilities.
Milestone: Representatives from across the region gathered to celebrate the start of construction of a new oversized slipway at the Port of Pembroke, which will provide maximum flexibility for the launch and recovery of marine energy devices and vessels.
On the picture : Will Bramble, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire County Council; Ian Hubbard, BAM Regional Director for South England and Wales; Tom Sawyer, General Manager of the Port of Milford Haven; Pamela George, Mayor of Pembroke Dock City Council; Jonathan Burnes, Swansea Bay City Deal Program Manager; Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Place, Region and Climate Change.
