Marine energy developer Wave-tricity has today (30th March) signed a contract with the Port of Milford Haven which will see the installation of a new pontoon at Pembroke Port. The pontoon will allow Wave-tricity faster, more efficient development access to their marine energy device, Ocean Wave Rower.
Following Ocean Wave Rower’s formal launch earlier this month by Sir Steve Redgrave CBE, the new contract is a clear indicator of the strength of Wave-tricity’s proposition and the excellent facilities and resources provided by the site at Pembroke Port and the wider Milford Haven Waterway. Based at Pembroke Port’s Carr Jetty, where Wave-tricity is an existing tenant, the new pontoon will ensure efficient access to the Waterway, to the adaptable site resources and space at Pembroke Port and to the extensive, high-skill fabrication and engineering supply chain in the locality.
The contract was formally signed at today’s Marine Energy Wales Conference. Speaking at the Conference, Alec Don, the Port of Milford Haven’s Chief Executive, said:
“Operational efficiencies, innovation and clustering are key components in the drive for commercialising marine renewable energy. By investing in industry-critical infrastructure, the Port is creating the necessary platforms to help other businesses achieve maximum productivity. For Wave-tricity this means easier device access and reduced operational costs. In turn, they can continue their relationship with the region and contribute to the advancement of marine energy and regional economic growth in Wales.”
Simon Gillett, Chief Executive at Wave-tricity commented: “Our base at Pembroke Port is key to our everyday operations. We are excited by this latest development and can see the potential it will deliver to our business. The Port of Milford Haven is a dynamic location, with superb doorstep expertise and facilities. With the signing of the Swansea Bay City Region Deal last week the site is expected to reach new heights and deliver benefits to the entire marine energy sector. We are delighted to be here at the start.”
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Photo: Simon Gillett, Chief Executive at Wave-tricity, and Alec Don, Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, sign new deal which extends each business’ commitment to marine renewable energy development in Pembrokeshire.
Notes to Editors
Port of Milford Haven
The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It is widely recognised in the industry as the energy capital of the UK.
The Port, along with the cluster of energy-related businesses along the Waterway, is a key driver of economic activity in Pembrokeshire, attracting inward investment and supporting over 4,000 jobs.
The Port of Milford Haven also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Dock. Activities such as cargo handling, ferry operations, fish landing and cruise calls as well as a first class marina are spread across these two sites.
One of the most prominent on the West Coast, the Port is in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only Coastal National Park in Great Britain. It is marked as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and has many areas designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The Port of Milford Haven is a trust port – an independent, commercially run organisation that has statutory responsibilities governed by its Acts, to maintain and improve navigation and the provision of Port and Harbour services and facilities. Additionally, the Port provides significant financial and in-kind support to a wide variety of local causes. All profits are retained within the business to fund these objectives.
For further information, visit www.mhpa.co.uk or contact:
Anna Malloy
Port of Milford Haven
01646 696100
anna.malloy@mhpa.co.uk