News

Huge boost for Pembrokeshire as Celtic Freeport set to create 16,000 jobs

Published

3 years ago

March 22, 2023

THE CELTIC FREEPORT in Milford Haven and Port Talbot and Anglesey Freeport on Ynys Mon have been chosen as Wales’ first freeports, helping to create tens of thousands of new jobs in the green industries of the future, the Welsh and UK Governments announced today.

In May 2022, the Welsh Government reached an agreement with the UK Government to establish a freeport programme in Wales.

Following a bidding process, the Welsh and UK Governments have jointly agreed to create two freeports in Wales, which are expected to be operational later this year.

The winning bids are:

The Celtic Freeport in Milford Haven and Port Talbot. The freeport will be based around the port of Port Talbot in Neath Port Talbot, and the port of Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire. The plans focus on low carbon technologies, such as floating offshore wind (FLOW), hydrogen, carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) and biofuels to support the accelerated reduction of carbon emissions. The freeport aims to attract significant inward investment, including £3.5bn in the hydrogen industry as well as the creation of 16,000 jobs, generating £900m in Gross Value Added (GVA) by 2030, and £13bn by 2050.
The Anglesey Freeport, Ynys Mon. The freeport will be based around the port of Holyhead, Anglesey Prosperity Zone, Rhosgoch and M-Sparc. The freeport will develop the Energy Island Programme (EIP) by focusing on marine energy technology testing on the seabed (tidal and wind). The freeport aims to create between 3,500 and 13,000 jobs by 2030, with an increased GVA of approximately £500m. It also anticipates significant inward investment, including the possibility of £1.4bn in the green energy sector.

The freeports will form special zones with the benefits of simplified customs procedures, relief on customs duties, tax benefits, and development flexibility. Welsh freeports will promote fair work opportunities and prioritise environmental sustainability and the climate emergency.

They are designed to promote regeneration and high-quality job creation, become a national hub for global trade and investment across the economy, and foster an innovative environment. The successful bids are focused on boosting the distinct strengths the sites boast, exploiting opportunities from offshore wind and marine energy to advanced manufacturing and innovation.

The two freeports aim to collectively create around 20,000 jobs by 2030 and attract up to £4.9bn in public and private investments.

Announcing the winning bids, First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford said: “I am pleased to confirm the Celtic Freeport in Milford Haven and Port Talbot and Anglesey Freeport have been selected as Wales’ new freeports.

“The Welsh Government has a clear economic mission to transform the Welsh economy, creating a stronger, fairer and greener future. The designation of these sites as Wales’ first freeports will reinforce that mission, building on the significant investments and partnerships we have made in these regions over many years.

“The joint working between governments on the freeport programme should serve as a blueprint for future intergovernmental work on a whole range of issues.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Wales is a thriving part of the UK, and today’s new Freeports will see businesses and opportunities for people in and around Anglesey, Port Talbot and Milford Haven go from strength to strength.

“Everyone deserves equality of opportunity and working closely with the Welsh Government has helped to deliver these fantastic new sites.

“Today’s Freeports show the hard work being done day in, day out to bring new, high-skilled jobs to communities across Wales nd deliver on my promise to grow the economy.”

Commenting on the selection of Celtic Freeport, Roger Maggs MBE, Chair of the Celtic Freeport bid consortium, said: “We hope that Wales’ two freeports will deliver for the country. The future is exciting. The Celtic Freeport has catalysed major business interest, local communities, trade unions and academia in using Wales’ largest industrial base as the launchpad for developing new technologies and the renewable energy manufacturing opportunities of tomorrow. This has the potential to unlock £5.5 billion of private and public investment for Wales and create new training and innovation facilities, factories and expanded green energy ports, as well as new alternative fuel production complexes.

“Our green investment and innovation corridor will support the creation of 16,000 green jobs, which will not just be good news for Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and Neath Port Talbot, but also Bridgend, Carmarthen, Swansea, The Valleys and many other communities across Wales.”

The Celtic Freeport consortium comprises Associated British Ports (ABP), Neath Port Talbot Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Port of Milford Haven. The bid’s strategically located tax and customs sites span almost 250 hectares in Pembrokeshire and Neath Port Talbot.

Cllr David Simpson, Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “Today’s announcement that the Celtic Freeport Bid has been successful is fantastic news for Pembrokeshire, Wales and Great Britain.

“The Celtic Freeport will unleash the full green industrial potential of Wales, accelerating the decarbonisation of our most carbon intensive industries and bringing new opportunities to our communities, major international investment and thousands of high skilled jobs to the region.”

Will Bramble CBE, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire County Council, added: “The Celtic Freeport will produce significant investment in the region, particularly the focused areas of upskilling our workforce and ultimately creating job opportunities here in south west Wales. Fundamentally this will now put us at the leading edge of the green industrial revolution.”

Cllr Steve Hunt, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said: “Today’s announcement is an absolute game changer for Neath Port Talbot and for Wales. It will transform the fortunes of people in all our communities. It puts us at the forefront of the world’s green energy revolution and our residents will soon be working in the industry of the future, learning the skills for securing green, well paid jobs.

Karen Jones, Chief Executive of Neath Port Talbot Council, said: “This great news is the first step towards a much brighter future here in our county borough. I look forward to working with our partners to make sure local people and businesses have the best possible benefit from what’s now in front of us.”

Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, said: “As the UK’s Energy Port, the Port of Milford Haven welcomes this fantastic news which allows us to build on the significant multi-million pound investment we’ve already made in the renewables sector at Pembroke Port. But what really excites us about this announcement today is the positive impact it’s going to have on our coastal communities. Securing the jobs of today and creating fantastic opportunities for future generations.”

Andrew Harston, Regional Director, Associated British Ports, said: “Associated British Ports is absolutely delighted that our Celtic Freeport bid has been successful. Floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Wales, and the scale needed is immense.

“ABP stands ready to invest £500 million in our port at Port Talbot to ensure first mover advantage to capture this global market. We want our ports to act as a base for FLOW manufacturing, maintenance and operations. And it’s not just about FLOW, it’s about sustainable fuels and hydrogen too.”

Community

Community football club raises £1,000 for Withybush Hospital

Published

13 hours ago

March 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A COMMUNITY football club has raised £1,000 for Ward 10 at Withybush Hospital following a successful charity guest speaker night.

New Hedges Saundersfoot United Football Club organised the annual event at the Regency Hall in Saundersfoot on Saturday (June 28), welcoming supporters for an evening of entertainment and football stories from former Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar.

The club said the event was held in memory of Gareth Allen, a much-loved former player who died in 2023.

Simon Brace and Stuart McLaren from the club said: “New Hedges Saundersfoot United Football Club is a local amateur junior and senior football club serving the Saundersfoot community.

“This year’s event was organised in memory of Gareth Allen, a much-loved former player of the club who sadly passed away in 2023. We wanted to honour Gareth and show our appreciation for the care he received by donating the proceeds to Ward 10 at Withybush Hospital.”

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer for Hywel Dda Health Charities, thanked the club for its support.

She said: “Thank you so much to Simon, Stuart and everyone at New Hedges Saundersfoot Football Club for selecting Ward 10 as one of the beneficiaries of your charity night.

“Your generosity is a lovely tribute to Gareth, and the donation is truly appreciated by the team on Ward 10. We are so grateful for your amazing support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide across the three counties of Hywel Dda, and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more information about the charity or how to support local NHS patients and staff, visit www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk.

Local Government

Tenby harbour dredging work scheduled

Published

15 hours ago

March 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

VISITORS and harbour users in Tenby are being asked to take care while dredging work is carried out at the harbour entrance next week.

Sand will be removed from the mouth of Tenby Harbour and deposited at the northern end of North Beach. The work is not expected to affect vessel movements in the harbour.

Operations will begin on Monday (Mar 16) and are scheduled to continue until Wednesday (Mar 18).

Tenby Harbourmaster Chris Salisbury confirmed that the necessary licence for the dredging work is in place.

He said: “We ask that members of the public keep clear of the operating area while the machinery is in use and that dogs are kept on a lead during this time.”

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services at Pembrokeshire County Council, said the work was essential to keep the harbour functioning properly.

“I’m grateful to our officers for carrying out this work at Tenby Harbour,” he said. “The dredging is essential for the continued operation of the harbour.

“The timing has been dictated by the tides, and these dates represented the final opportunity to complete the work before boats are returned to the water.”

international news

UK urges allies to keep pressure on Russia despite US easing oil sanctions

Published

15 hours ago

March 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE UK GOVERNMENT has urged its international partners to maintain pressure on Russia after the United States eased sanctions on some shipments of Russian oil already moving through global markets.

Downing Street said Britain would not follow the US move and insisted sanctions remain a key tool in limiting Moscow’s ability to fund its war in Ukraine.

The US Treasury confirmed that certain cargoes of Russian oil already in transit would be allowed to continue to their destinations. Officials described the step as a “targeted, short-term measure” designed to help stabilise global energy markets during rising geopolitical tensions.

The announcement comes as oil prices surge amid escalating conflict in the Middle East. Iran has threatened further disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most important oil transport routes — following ongoing US-Israeli strikes in the region.

Attacks on energy infrastructure in Gulf states have also contributed to uncertainty in global supply.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK’s position remains firm.

“All partners should maintain pressure on Russia and its war chest,” the spokesman said.

“Our support for Ukraine is degrading Russia’s ability to wage war, both militarily and financially.”

Energy Minister Michael Shanks also stressed that sanctions remain critical to weakening Russia’s ability to sustain the conflict.

“This is an absolutely critical moment in the Russian aggression against Ukraine and sanctions are important,” he said.

“What we cannot have is Putin sitting in the Kremlin thinking this is an opportunity to invest more in the war machine.”

European leaders have also expressed concern about any relaxation of sanctions. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said easing restrictions now would be “wrong”, while French President Emmanuel Macron warned tensions in the Middle East should not become a reason to soften measures against Russia.

Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky previously warned that easing sanctions would be a “serious blow” to Ukraine and could allow Russia to strengthen its military capabilities.

Milford Haven connection

The issue carries particular significance in Pembrokeshire because of the role the Port of Milford Haven plays in the UK’s energy infrastructure.

In the early days following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, vessels carrying Russian fuel became the focus of controversy across Europe.

One tanker transporting Russian diesel that had been expected to unload in Milford Haven was later diverted to Antwerp amid political pressure and uncertainty over sanctions.

Another vessel carrying Russian crude did berth in the Milford Haven Waterway and unload at the Valero refinery terminal before the UK introduced a full ban on Russian oil imports later that year.

Across the UK, some energy workers refused to handle Russian cargoes during the early stages of the conflict, forcing certain tankers to divert to other European ports.

Large oil tankers arriving in Milford Haven berth at deep-water terminals and refinery jetties along the waterway rather than traditional docks, allowing the port to handle some of the largest vessels operating in European waters.

The waterway remains one of the UK’s most important energy hubs, handling crude oil, refined fuel products and liquefied natural gas imports.

Impact on fuel prices

The rising price of oil is already feeding through to motorists and households, with petrol prices climbing and heating oil costs increasing in recent weeks.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband warned that regulators would intervene if energy companies attempt to exploit the situation by raising prices excessively.

“We will not tolerate rip-offs,” he said, adding that the competition watchdog is ready to act if necessary.

Opposition parties have meanwhile called on the government to cancel a planned increase in fuel duty scheduled for September if the crisis continues.

With tensions rising both in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, ministers say global energy markets could remain volatile for some time — with potential consequences for fuel costs and supply security across the UK.