Port of Milford Haven - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Port of Milford Haven has made a significant contribution to ensure six pontoons continue to be available for leisure users of the Milford Haven Waterway for another decade. Working collaboratively with Pembrokeshire County Council, the Port will assist with costs towards the management, maintenance, and repair of the facilities at Dale, Burton, Neyland, Hobbs Point in Pembroke Dock, and Hazelbeach, for the next ten years. Pontoons The pontoons are used by recreational vessels and for people and equipment to be dropped off and collected. Five are shore-connecting and deployed at their locations between April and October, while the outer pontoon at Dale remains in location all year. Boats can stay for up to 12 hours for their passengers to enjoy their surroundings, whether that be fishing, water sports, or going ashore. Water-based activities Many visitors to the area make use of these pontoons for water-based activities, so we’re pleased to contribute" Leisure users who are looking forward to making the most of the great outdoors this summer are reminded to plan their activities carefully, for example by checking the tides, letting someone know the details of their journey, ensuring their vessel is seaworthy, and knowing how to call for help.  Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven, Mike Ryan, commented “The Milford Haven Waterway is a fantastic stretch of water for people to spend their leisure time. Many locals and visitors to the area make use of these pontoons for water-based activities, so we’re pleased to contribute to their upkeep to ensure they remain safe for everyone to enjoy.” Haven Waterway Councillor Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents Services, said “We are extremely grateful to the Port of Milford Haven for their contribution to ensure these six pontoons continue to be available for residents and visitors. This is an excellent example of local bodies working together in partnership for the local community.” He continued “The Haven Waterway is one of our greatest assets and we know just how important these pontoons are, not just for those visiting the area but also for our local boat users and residents to enjoy the Waterway.”

The Milford Haven Waterway Future Energy Cluster, representing the UK's energy capital, has outlined a vision for a low carbon future at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay. The Cluster – a coalition of energy companies, renewable developers, green technology innovators, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Port of Milford Haven – outlined how their plans will play a pivotal role in enhancing the wellbeing of future generations and in helping the Welsh Government achieve a just transition to net zero in Wales. Senedd reception The Cluster’s plans include a pathway to support at least 20% of the UK's hydrogen production target The Senedd reception – sponsored by Senedd Members - Samuel Kurtz, Joyce Watson, Cefin Campbell and Jane Dodds – was attended by more than 100 people from across business, academia, government and politics in Wales. The Cluster’s plans include a pathway to support at least 20% of the UK's hydrogen production target and 10% of the Celtic Sea Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) target by 2030. Continued utilisation, adaptation and innovation in the Haven will also support the development of low carbon liquid fuels, CO2 shipping, marine renewables and energy storage. Milford Haven Waterway Future Energy Cluster The Milford Haven Waterway Future Energy Cluster also demonstrated to political stakeholders and industry representatives how its whole energy cycle solution has a pivotal role to play in supporting an accelerated transition, while stimulating substantial economic growth in Wales. Early economic analysis undertaken for the Cluster by Cardiff Business School indicates that its vision could add an additional 3,000 Welsh jobs to the 5,000 already supported by the Milford Haven Waterway energy sector. Unlocking substantial international private sector investment To deliver this vision and unlock substantial international private sector investment, the Cluster called on Welsh and UK Governments, National Grid, The Crown Estate and OFGEM to support the future success of this critical national energy asset by: Expanding South Wales’ Grid capacity by 10GW by 2030 Implementing a fast-tracked consenting regime Backing a Celtic Freeport bid Introducing mechanisms to de-risk the Celtic Sea FLOW opportunity Backing a South Wales FLOW infrastructure bid Supporting the Milford Haven Waterway SuperPlace ambition, including both blue and green hydrogen Supporting prioritisation of South Wales in National Grid’s Project Union Supporting a BEIS Cluster Sequencing Track 2 bid Incentivising the production and use of low carbon fuels Backing Skills Accelerator and Supply Chain Accelerator programmes Major exporter of low carbon electricity and hydrogen We will help deliver the just transition that the Welsh Government and politicians across the spectrum wish to see" Speaking on behalf of the Haven Waterway Future Energy Cluster, Tom Sawyer, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Port of Milford Haven, said “By the 2040s, the Milford Haven Waterway aims to be a significant exporter of low carbon electricity and hydrogen, and a globally recognised example of a low carbon, smart energy system fully capable of supporting society’s energy needs reliably, cost effectively and with significantly reduced emissions.” He adds, “Playing our vital role in the transformation of the energy industry with its consequent investment in green jobs will help Wales reach net zero. We will help deliver the just transition that the Welsh Government and politicians across the spectrum wish to see." Tom Sawyer continues, "We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to share our plans to create around 3,000 jobs in Wales. We’ll be investing in green skills in our local communities and creating new career opportunities for future generations.” The Haven Waterway’s key role in the hydrocarbon industry Samuel Kurtz, MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire welcomed the Cluster’s vision, said “The Haven Waterway has long played a key role in the hydrocarbon industry, including oil and gas. With the focus turning to the fuel, energy and technologies of the future, the waterway has a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of some exciting developments, such as floating offshore wind and hydrogen production.” Samuel Kurtz adds, “Highlighting these opportunities, and the jobs that will be created in Pembrokeshire is paramount, if we are to unlock our potential and see our communities thrive. I’m pleased to champion this in the Senedd and urge us all to get behind these renewable projects.” Delivering a low carbon future South-West Wales has the potential to become a global leader in a green energy revolution" Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Mid & West Wales, said “I welcomed the opportunity to co-sponsor this event at the Senedd, promoting the vast potential the Haven Waterway poses in delivering a low carbon future, which enhances the well-being of future generations and delivers against Welsh Government’s Net Zero and Energy strategies.” Cefin Campbell adds, “South-West Wales has the potential to become a global leader in a green energy revolution – delivering huge economic and social benefits for the local communities. I look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders to grasp these significant opportunities and fulfill such ambitions.” Decarbonising industries in South Wales Chris Williams, the Head of Industrial Decarbonisation for Industry Wales and SWIC Lead, said “The Milford Haven Waterway Future Energy Cluster will play such a vital role in decarbonising industries in South Wales.” Chris Williams adds, “Milford Haven has the ability to supply SWIC industries with huge amounts of low carbon power, fuels, hydrogen and CCUS infrastructure that will support our industries by developing the infrastructure they will need to make things in a net zero way. This development is so important to providing a ‘just transition’ for south Wales and the Celtic Freeport bid is essential in accelerating this hugely important initiative.”

The construction of a new supersize slipway and new workboat pontoons is now underway at Pembroke Port. It marks a big step forward in the realisation of the Port of Milford Haven’s vision for the Milford Haven Waterway to play a vital role in driving new green growth across the region, while supporting the country’s transition to 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. Large scale laydown spaces Commercial Director at the Port of Milford Haven, Steve Edwards, said: “It’s fantastic to see this development underway at Pembroke Port. The new upgraded spaces and facilities will be perfect for the growing low carbon industry around the Celtic Sea as well as the supply chain companies that will benefit from the opportunities created here. We’re looking forward to seeing huge changes over the next eighteen months, working with industry and academia to maximise local and regional benefits.” The works sit alongside the renovation of the Annexes attached to the Sunderland Hangars The works sit alongside the renovation of the Annexes attached to the Sunderland Hangars. These are now midway through construction and will create new office and workshop spaces for industry. Later phases of the project will focus on creating large scale laydown spaces for device fabrication and development. Marine energy power generation The modernisation of the Port’s infrastructure forms part of the Pembroke Dock Marine project, a £60m 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 Welsh Government through the Swansea Bay City Deal, and through the public and private sectors. It is also part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. This collaborative platform has already attracted companies from across the globe who are spearheading new research, development, and manufacturing in marine energy power generation, with an appetite to do much more. The Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, the UK’s technology, innovation, and research centre for renewable offshore energy, has also demonstrated its confidence in the area’s potential with the development of a multi-million pound Marine Energy Engineering Centre of Excellence based at Pembroke Dock. Creating employment opportunities The Haven Waterway is inextricably linked to the health of the Pembrokeshire economy" Cllr Paul Miller, Pembrokeshire County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place, the 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 in order to sustain employment but also to ensure it remains the UKs leading energy port.” “Up to 30% of the UK’s gas today, but also Green/Blue Hydrogen and Floating Wind Generated electricity tomorrow. These investments are the foundation upon which we hope the next generation of energy industry is built and along with it, the next generation of energy jobs.” Lowering carbon emissions Cllr Rob Stewart, Chairman of the Swansea Bay City Deal’s 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 technologies.” We welcome BAM Nuttall onboard to construct the workboat pontoons and slipway at Pembroke Port" “We welcome BAM Nuttall onboard to construct the workboat pontoons and slipway at Pembroke Port, which will help regenerate the port 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 deliver essential skills in the renewable energy sector demonstrates that we are focused on lowering carbon emissions, supporting floating offshore wind, and growing our young talent to support this sector.” Offshore renewables industry Civil engineering firm BAM Nuttall has been appointed to construct the new slipway and workboat pontoons. Ian Hubbard, BAM Regional Director for Southern 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 role in that.” “The Port is ideally suited for servicing wave, tidal, and wind power and this latest investment will help to improve the facilities on offer to the growing offshore renewables industry. BAM will be employing a mixture of local and specialist labour to deliver its works, so this contract will create jobs in the Pembrokeshire area as well as helping to modernise the port facilities.”