Written question WQ86668

The Welsh Government is committed, as set out in Llwybr Newydd, the Wales Transport Strategy, to develop a new Ports and Maritime Strategy for Wales. Through collaboration with Welsh ports and associated stakeholders, it will consider how our port infrastructure and operations can be made more sustainable while harnessing opportunities for future economic development, for example in offshore renewable energy and innovations in shipping decarbonisation. It will seek to reduce barriers to investment, increase efficiency and better facilitate co-location and integration of activity whilst maintaining high standards for sustainability.

Offshore wind represents a significant opportunity to create a new industry for Wales, delivering jobs and regenerating communities. It also links directly to the Programme for Government commitment to build a sustainable future for our key air and seaports, as well as long term well-being goals.

The Welsh Government’s port infrastructure report published in September 2021 in relation to floating offshore wind (FLOW) established that, without significant upgrade, none of the Welsh ports would be able to support future FLOW opportunities. But both Port Talbot and Milford Haven Port Authority have key ‘core’ attributes (including space, water depth etc) which make them suitable to support FLOW. Port Talbot in particular, is in a unique position, with available space suitable for re-development.

We have been working with both Port Talbot and Milford Haven Port Authority to encourage them to collaborate and explore how best to support the end-to-end process of FLOW deployment and maximise the benefits to Wales.

We have also been in discussions with ports in North Wales to see how we can support them in developing their infrastructure to take full advantage in the growth of FLOW.

Wales has a credible pipeline of at least 2 GW of new fixed offshore projects for the remainder of this decade. The additional potential for 12GW of fixed offshore wind in the Irish Sea also offers an opportunity to the ports of Holyhead and Mostyn.

Officials continue to meet with developers, supply chain and port operators across Wales. These meetings have provided useful insight into the opportunities across North Wales.

The Pembroke Dock Marine project, part of the Swansea Bay City Deal, will establish a world class marine energy and engineering fabrication, test and deployment hub, delivering the support and infrastructure needed to grow Wales’ low carbon economy further. The project expands on the region’s established facilities and extensive skill base, ensuring maximum operational efficiency and increased innovation opportunities, which will help drive down marine energy production costs.