Significant progress is being made in the creation of a multi-purpose and future energy-ready port at Pembroke Dock.

The aim is that the port will create a bright and prosperous outlook for current and future generations.

Works on the Swansea Bay City Deal and EU funded Pembroke Dock Marine project began in earnest last August after a breaking ground ceremony marked the start of the construction of a supersize slipway and new workboat pontoons at Pembroke Port.

Since then the landscape of the site has changed dramatically.

The slipway is being significantly widened to 68 metres and extended to offer greater flexibility for developers and marine businesses looking to test new marine energy devices, launch and recover vessels. It will also be used by supply chain companies providing maintenance and engineering services to floating offshore wind device operators in the Celtic Sea. Once complete in Spring 2024, the wider slipway will measure 11,352sqm which is the equivalent of one and half football pitches. Materials from the works to enlarge the slipway are being recycled and used to create much-needed laydown space by infilling the timber pond.

An extended slipway has been constructed at Pembroke Port as part of the Pembroke Dock Marine project.
An extended slipway has been constructed at Pembroke Port as part of the Pembroke Dock Marine project. (Port of Milford Haven)

New workboat pontoons are being installed to the east of the existing ferry terminal offering short and long term berthing options for workboats, barges and jack up barges. These are already proving popular and will be available to utilise from Autumn 2023.

At Gate 1, the four new annexes attached to the historic Sunderland Hangars are nearing completion. These will offer modern offices and workshops ideally situated for companies in the renewables and marine sectors looking for a new base within a busy commercial port. Brand new office space and workshops will allow for a flexible working solution ideal for developers and supply chain businesses. The four hangar annexes are in the final stages of completion and will be ready for occupation this summer. Renamed Oleander House, Catalina House, Falcon House and Erebus House, they will offer a range of one and two storey office space and workshop areas, with two contracts currently under negotiation.

Commercial Director at the Port of Milford Haven, Steve Edwards, said:

“These works will make a huge difference to the facilities and services that we can offer to the marine sector but also the growing renewables industry that is being attracted here due to the exciting opportunities for floating offshore wind projects in the Celtic Sea.

“The team at the Port and contractors BAM Nuttall, the Walters Group and R&M Williams are keeping the project on track and I am confident we will attract some iconic and innovative companies that want to base themselves at Pembroke Port.”

Pembroke Dock Marine is funded by the UK Government and Welsh Government through the Swansea Bay City Deal, and through the public and private sectors. It is also part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.