Cross-party group of politicians welcomes news of Celtic Freeport selection

The Celtic Freeport bid is a public-private consortium including Associated British Ports (ABP), Neath Port Talbot Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Port of Milford Haven.  With development sites throughout Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire, the Celtic Freeport is said to generate up to 16,000 new green jobs and drive £5.5 billion of investment.

The vision for the bid is to be the potential cornerstone of a new green ecosystem focused on floating offshore wind, the hydrogen economy and sustainable fuels.

A number of MPs and MSs from across Wales are said to have been fundamental to the success of the Celtic Freeport bid.  The parliamentarians say they will continue to support the Celtic Freeport team to ensure Wales accelerates its path to a decarbonised future with a rich legacy for future generations. 

Following the successful decision, over the coming year the business case will be worked up, governance arrangements established, skills and innovation delivery mechanisms created and site preparations progressed.  

Commenting on the successful Celtic Freeport decision:

David Rees MS for Aberavon: “I am delighted that both the Welsh &UK Governments have recognised the important role that this bid will play in developing a new industrial sector in Wales that offers huge opportunities to local communities from Pembrokeshire to Neath Port Talbot.  

“The Celtic Freeport bid places renewable energy at its heart and its success will provide investors with reassurances that our governments also see FLOW as a critical component of the UK’s energy security.  

“This decision now allows us to move forward to develop the infrastructure and skills needed to allow this new industry to thrive and grow.

Stephen Kinnock MP for Aberavon:”The Celtic Freeport will be the launch pad for Floating Offshore Wind in the Celtic Sea, and it places Port Talbot right at the heart of a green industrial ecosystem that will generate thousands of new jobs and attract £5.5bn of investment.  

“Our steel will build the floating wind turbines, and the clean energy that is generated by those very turbines will be used to power the works, as well as four million homes – bringing down household energy bills in the process.”

“Wales was the cradle of the first industrial revolution, the Celtic Freeport offers us a transformational opportunity to be the cradle of the Green Industrial Revolution.”

Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire:“No question, this is a milestone moment for Milford Haven and the whole Pembrokeshire economy. A lot of hard work has gone into this project, and I am delighted to have been part of the team to get it over the line.  The economic and industrial vision behind the Celtic Freeport is exciting and achievable. I’m thrilled that the case we made to UK and Welsh Governments has been successful.”

“The announcement today shows the world that Wales is serious about floating offshore wind and puts us on a firm footing to capture as much local economic benefit as possible. Securing Freeport status will send a powerful signal to developers, unlocking new investment in high quality jobs and training opportunities.”

Rt Hon Simon Hart MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire:”I am thrilled that the UK Government has accepted the Celtic Freeport bid. This is an incredible opportunity for our local businesses to grow and thrive, creating new jobs and driving investment in our community. I have been a long-standing advocate for Freeports and believe that they offer an incredible opportunity to drive economic growth, create new opportunities for businesses and support the low-carbon industries of the future.

 “This is an incredible opportunity for our local businesses to grow and thrive, creating new jobs and driving investment in our community this offers us an opportunity to drive economic growth after the challenges of the pandemic.”

Samuel Kurtz MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire:“The Celtic Freeport will be transformative for our communities along the Haven Waterway and the wider county, and I’m delighted that the UK and Welsh governments agree.  

“Having backed the bid from day one, I’m pleased it gained cross-party support and shows what can be achieved through collaboration and partnership. 

“This announcement is the beginning of a new chapter for West Wales. Billions of pounds worth of investment, thousands of new green jobs, and a commitment to a thriving future for our important ports, local industries, and our communities.”