The Port of Milford Haven has allocated £650,000 to start dockyard improvements as part of a project set to make Pemborke Dock a center for marine renewable energy research and development.
The dockyard improvements will form part of Pembroke Dock Marine – the £76 million Swansea Bay City Deal project .
The project will see the Port of Milford Haven partner with Marine Energy Wales, ORE Catapult and Wave Hub to develop a world-class center 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 begin shortly after the City Deal business plan has been signed off, the Port of Milford Haven said.
Alec Don , Chief Executive of the Port, said: “Pembrokeshire’s capacity to capitalize 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 center in this fast-growing sector.”
The Port of Milford Haven’s Engineering Director Tim Bownes, who is heading up the Pembroke Port element of the project, said there will be a comprehensive period of consultation, during which the views of stakeholders, including the general public, will be sought.
“This is an exciting project that could transform the area and it will bring opportunities for local people and businesses,” said Brownes . “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.”