Business
Celtic Freeport and the future of renewable energy in Wales
IN an important announcement that signals a significant shift towards renewable energy in the UK, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has identified two ports for potential transformative development into hubs for the burgeoning floating offshore wind (FLOW) industry.
This development places Port Talbot and Cromarty Firth in Scotland on a Primary List for potential funding through the Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme (FLOMIS).
This promising step forward is not just pivotal for Port Talbot but heralds a wave of optimism for Milford Haven as well, underpinning the collaborative spirit and shared vision of the Celtic Freeport initiative.
The inclusion of Port Talbot in the consideration for FLOMIS funding is a testament to the UK’s commitment to leading the charge in floating offshore wind technology, says RenewableUK. That company is representing the renewable energy sector, and has lauded this announcement as a crucial step for floating wind projects.
Speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald, Dan McGrail, RenewableUK’s Chief Executive, underscored the necessity of this initiative, highlighting the need for upgraded and upscaled port facilities capable of manufacturing and assembling the colossal components of floating offshore wind turbines.
The potential transformation of these ports into industrial hubs is poised to revolutionize the UK’s energy landscape, making a significant impact on the local economies of Port Talbot and Milford Haven. The strategic focus on these areas not only aims to enhance their infrastructure but also positions them at the forefront of the renewable energy sector’s evolution.
This development is particularly significant for Milford Haven, the largest port in Wales and a pivotal player in the UK’s third-largest port. The port’s inclusion under the Celtic Freeport banner, alongside Port Talbot, sets the stage for unprecedented growth and development in the region. The synergy between these ports, fostered by the Celtic Freeport initiative, aims to catalyze the low-carbon economy in Wales’ industrial heartland, creating a green investment and innovation corridor.
In tandem with these developments, the Port of Milford Haven has strategically appointed three new non-executive directors: David Martin, James Higham, and Gareth Powell. Their diverse expertise in infrastructure, military logistics, and finance will be instrumental in navigating the port through its ambitious transition to net zero and harnessing its freeport status for maximum impact.
David Martin’s background in global infrastructure projects, James Higham’s strategic and operational expertise from a distinguished Royal Navy career, and Gareth Powell’s financial acumen from his tenure at BBC Cymru Wales, collectively enhance the port’s strategic capabilities. These appointments reflect a robust strategic vision aimed at capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the evolving renewable energy landscape.
The Celtic Freeport’s ambitious vision is to create a green investment corridor that drives inward investment, future skills development, and national decarbonisation. The initiative promises to support new manufacturing facilities and major port infrastructure upgrades essential for the roll-out of FLOW in the Celtic Sea. It signifies a major step forward in the pursuit of a cleaner future, underscored by commitments to the hydrogen economy, sustainable fuels, carbon capture, cleaner steel, and low-carbon logistics.
Spanning Milford Haven and Port Talbot, the Celtic Freeport covers a strategic expanse of nearly 600 hectares connected to two deep-water ports. This positioning is at the very heart of Wales’ industrial landscape, ready to be primed by an investment incentives package.
The announcement that Port Talbot, alongside the Port of Cromarty Firth, has been placed on the Primary List for potential FLOMIS funding marks a watershed moment for the UK’s renewable energy sector and a boon for Milford Haven. As part of the broader Celtic Freeport initiative, this development is a beacon of innovation and progress, promising not only to revolutionise the Welsh economy but also to play a critical role in the global transition towards sustainable energy sources. The strategic appointments at the Port of Milford Haven complement this vision, positioning the port to leverage its full potential in the exciting era of green energy.
Business
Tata Steel Sticks to job cut plans despite Welsh pressure
IN an intense and pivotal meeting in Mumbai, Tata Steel firmly reiterated its decision to cut 2,800 jobs in the UK, primarily impacting the Port Talbot site, despite urgent appeals from Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething. Mr. Gething, who recently met with senior executives, expressed his disappointment at the firm’s unwavering stance unless there’s a shift in the UK government.
Despite these challenging circumstances, the First Minister underscored his commitment to protect jobs and prevent compulsory redundancies across Welsh sites. This dialogue comes as Tata plans to close both blast furnaces at Port Talbot by September, replacing them with a greener electric arc furnace by summer 2025, which promises to preserve thousands of jobs and reduce CO2 emissions significantly.
The Welsh Conservative leader, Andrew RT Davies, criticised Mr. Gething’s approach, suggesting that while the UK government has offered substantial financial aid, the Welsh government has only funded the First Minister’s travel to India. He accused Mr. Gething of “globetrotting” at a time of domestic scrutiny over controversial donations to his Welsh Labour leadership campaign.
Mr. Gething defended his trip, stating, “How can I sit at home and not be here in Mumbai, fighting for thousands of workers’ jobs?” He highlighted the potential of a change in leadership, with UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer poised to possibly become the next Prime Minister, which he believes could usher in a new era of capital investment for the steel industry.
Amid the uncertainty of an upcoming general election, possibly scheduled between October and January, there is concern that any governmental changes may arrive too late to alter Tata’s current trajectory. Tata CEO TV Narendran described the discussions as productive but maintained the company’s strategic direction, emphasizing their commitment to a sustainable future in the UK steel industry.
The GMB union and members of the Community steelworkers’ union have voiced strong opposition, with recent votes favouring industrial action against the restructuring plans. Plaid Cymru’s economy spokesman, Luke Fletcher, has called for the nationalisation of the steel industry, labeling Tata’s current worker treatment as “appalling.”
Meanwhile, both parties acknowledged areas of mutual benefit, such as potential investments around Port Talbot and collaborations with Welsh universities on green steel production. The First Minister also highlighted opportunities linked to the Global Centre of Rail Excellence near Neath, with Tata considering a formal agreement.
As Mr. Gething returns from Mumbai, the situation remains tense, with the future of many steelworkers hanging in the balance and the Welsh and UK governments at odds over the best course of action to mitigate job losses and transition to sustainable steel production.
Business
Port welcomes first vessel to new workboat pontoons
PEMBROKE PORT, which is owned and operated by the Port of Milford Haven, has welcomed the first customer to its new workboat pontoons. Installed as part of the Pembroke Dock Marine project to modernise the Port’s infrastructure, the pontoons are available for use by a range of vessels including workboats, barges and other small vessels.
CRC Sentinel, a dive support vessel owned by Commercial Rib Charter which is undertaking work on the Milford Haven Waterway, was the first to use the new pontoons.
Sharon Adams, Commercial Manager for Pembroke Port commented: “It’s great to see these new assets being utilised. Pembroke Port is perfectly positioned within the Port of Milford Haven to act as a hub for operations associated with marine activity taking place within the Port and the Celtic Sea. The pontoons are available for short and long term berthing and have secure access, as well as electricity and water hook ups.
The workboat pontoons compliment the other infrastructure upgrades we made as part of the Pembroke Dock Marine project including new laydown space and an expanded slipway.
We look forward to working with our existing customers, and welcoming new ones, to use the new facilities at Pembroke Port.”
The new infrastructure at Pembroke Port forms part of the Pembroke Dock Marine project to create a world-class energy and engineering centre of excellence and act as a focal point for capturing the economic value from wind, wave, and tidal renewable energy projects.
Alongside the Port’s own investment, Pembroke Dock Marine – a Swansea Bay City Deal project – is part funded by the UK Government and the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government as well as other private sector partners.
During construction, the project supported over 50 jobs including 6 apprenticeships. Contractors BAM, Walters Group and R&M Williams undertook community activity during the project, with the local community benefiting from over £11m local spend.
For further details on the facilities at Pembroke Port, and how the Pembroke Dock Marine investments have readied Pembroke Port for future energy, please visit www.pembrokeport.com.
Business
Last Call for Entries: Carmarthenshire Business Awards
BUSINESSES throughout Carmarthenshire are urged to submit their nominations for the prestigious Carmarthenshire Business Awards as the deadline of 17th May 2024 rapidly approaches.
Organised by Grapevine Event Management, these awards are set to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions and achievements of local enterprises across a variety of sectors. With the nomination process ending in less than two weeks, businesses and individuals from across the county are invited to take advantage of the opportunity for recognition by entering one of the 15 award categories.
The winners will be unveiled during a glamorous black-tie event at Parc y Scarlets on 12th July, attended by the crème de la crème of Carmarthenshire’s business community.
Liz Brookes, the founder of the awards and director at Grapevine Event Management, expressed her enthusiasm about the high quality of entries received so far. “We are thrilled with the response and the calibre of organisations that have entered. This is the final call for entries; it’s time to ensure your business and its contributions are recognised,” she stated.
Rupert Moon, chair of the judges, highlighted the significance of the awards in promoting local businesses. “Carmarthenshire boasts a range of fantastic businesses. These awards are not just a celebration but a platform to highlight significant achievements in innovation, sustainability, growth, and export success among others,” Moon commented.
Support for the event is strong, with notable local companies such as Castell Howell Ltd leading as headline sponsors. “Supporting local business is essential for Carmarthenshire’s prosperity. These awards are a fantastic opportunity for businesses to gain the recognition they deserve,” said Martin Jones, Director of Castell Howell.
Additional sponsors include Swansea Building Society, Dunbia, Azets, JCP Solicitors, JG HR Solutions Ltd, Business News Wales, and Stills, all contributing to the event’s success.
For more information on how to enter the Carmarthenshire Business Awards, or to register before the 17th May deadline, please visit https://carmsbusinessawards.com/.
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