Major Funding Application to Unleash Pembroke Port Floating Offshore Wind Supply Chain

October 24, 2023, by Adnan Memija

The Port of Milford Haven has submitted a multi-million-pound funding application to the UK Government’s Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme (FLOWMIS) initiative to expand Pembroke Port.

The project aims to create a cutting-edge port base that will play a pivotal role in nurturing a Wales-based supply chain dedicated to the emerging floating offshore wind sector, said the port.

With an emphasis on sustainability and innovation, this development seeks to provide a delivery platform for the 400 MW test and demonstration phase and a fit-for-purpose site for integration and operations and maintenance activities supporting the commercial-scale phase over the coming decades.

“This is another important milestone in the growing strength and evolution of the UK’s Energy Port. As the closest port to the Celtic Sea development sites and home to a heavy engineering skills-base, we are thrilled to present this application in response to the FLOWMIS initiative,” said Tom Sawyer, CEO of the Port of Milford Haven.

“It represents a pivotal step towards accelerating the growth of the floating offshore wind industry in Wales. The expansion of Pembroke Port will not only drive economic development, but also foster the emergence of a green supply chain that aligns seamlessly with the goals of the Celtic Freeport.“

According to the Port of Milford Haven, by nurturing partnerships and collaborations among local businesses and international players, the expansion aims to bolster the region’s expertise and capabilities in the floating offshore wind sector while boosting economic growth and contributing to Wales’ renewable energy targets.

At the heart of the Celtic Freeport Pembroke Dock tax site, the scheme is planned to generate 1,000 long-term, green jobs.

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“This initiative, which will expand Pembroke Port’s capabilities, will have the potential to benefit Pembrokeshire enormously, providing highly-skilled jobs, attracting investment to our economy and supporting the local supply chain,” said Cllr Paul Miller, Labour Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change.

The Crown Estate, which manages the seabed around England, Wales and Northern Ireland, has set a plan to deliver an initial 4 GW of energy capacity in the Celtic Sea by 2035, with the region assessed to have the potential to accommodate up to 24 GW by 2045.