The maritime industry is set to benefit significantly from the investments being poured into the Pembroke Dock Marine project. The £60 million project, a partnership between the Port of Milford Haven, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, Marine Energy Wales, and Celtic Sea Power, aims to modernise port infrastructure to capitalise on floating offshore wind developments in the Celtic Sea and other renewable energy initiatives. These investments are vital for those joining the maritime industry, mainly engineering cadets and apprentices, as they will create numerous job opportunities and enable them to acquire skills in a rapidly growing sector.
Recently, learners from Pembrokeshire College’s industry-led Destination Renewables programme visited Pembroke Port to witness the ongoing building works to create a clean energy development platform. The platform includes 17,000 sqm of laydown space, a supersise slipway, and new workboat pontoons. The learners were also excited to learn about the potential for 16,000 new jobs, expected to be delivered by the Celtic Freeport bid. This bid will accelerate up to £5.5 billion of new investment and support the roll-out of floating offshore wind, hydrogen, and sustainable fuel production, among other technologies.
The Destination Renewables programme, led by DP Energy and EDF Renewables in collaboration with industry delivery partners, aims to educate and inspire the future green energy workforce. The two-year course offers students insights into renewable energy technologies, including wave, tidal, solar, onshore, offshore wind, and project development processes. Such programmes ensure that local young people are well-prepared to secure employment in new industries, maximising the benefits of the significant investments in Pembrokeshire.
As Steve Edwards, Commercial Director at the Port of Milford Haven, stated, “Investment in Pembroke Port today is creating the green opportunities for the future.” This sentiment is echoed by engineering students like Ethan Adams, who feels that the opportunities presented by these investments will allow him to have a successful career in the renewables sector without leaving his home region.
The investments in the Pembroke Dock Marine project will not only boost the local economy but also empower engineering cadets and apprentices with the skills and knowledge required for a successful career in the maritime industry. By nurturing the talents of the future workforce, these investments will help ensure the sustainable growth of the maritime sector and pave the way for a greener, more prosperous future.
