Agenda item

The report was noted.

The Steve Edwards, Commercial Director, Milford Haven Port Authority. Gave a presentation to members in relation to the Pembroke Dock Marine Update report. He thanked members who had attended the site visit to Pembroke Dock in January.

The presentation covered the following areas.

1)             Progress update on the Pembroke Dock Marine project;

2)             Outcome of the Pembroke Dock Marine Gateway Review, including recommendations and mitigating actions;

3)             Pembroke Dock Marine business case addendum.

4)             Change notifications received from the Pembroke Dock Marine project.

The chair and members thanked officers for the site visit to Pembroke Dock and stated that it had been informative and was worthwhile to see what's been developed.

Members noted that the critical stage of the project was the commercialization element and asked how the progress was in terms of trying to get commercial partners involved and specifically with the units if there are any other vacancies?

Members were informed that when officers knew that the assets were coming to completion, they started a networking campaign which included going to Ireland, Europe, and England as well as speaking with all the different developers at conferences showcasing when the assets will be ready.

Officers looked at identification of markets in terms of understanding when fixed offshore wind was commencing in Ireland and used the example for the ‘Dublin Array’. Officers noted who was winning those competitions for Dublin Array and marketing those assets directly to those types of organisations.

Officers stated that the outcomes to date have been mixed but it is not going badly for the first year. Officers explained that there is a company who are a boat builder/repair company using the mega slipway. That company now has 67 metres of slipway and with their crane, they are capable of even more room. This is greater than the 20 meters of slipway they had previously.

Officers advised that they have had interest from some wave and tidal developers however the test and demonstration for the 400 megawatts floating offshore wind is paused and none of the developers have gone into the low carbon electricity generation Contracts of Difference (CFD) round. Officers had hoped that it was going to be an immediate opportunity.

Members were informed that some pontoons have been added on the back of the ferry linkspan and the first bookings have come in, with items being birthed up against them this week.

A hydrogen developer is at the draught heads of terms status with officers.

Members were advised that it is a shame that the Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme bid was rejected because if had been accepted, an immediate start to work on the other side of the port would have commenced and created an integration facility which probably would then be needed by the, the test and demonstration developers for their anchors change moorings. That element might be a bit further away as a result. Officers are looking to seek alternative financing for that, but their ambition is the same and they are going to work a little bit harder.

Members were informed that the biggest annex attached to the hangar is still available, and currently options for that are being looked at. The two smaller units on that building has one leased and another is almost leased pending contract signatures.

‘Booster’ has taken the hangar annex on the eastern side of the port meaning there are 3 out of 4 either leased or are going to be leased with one vacant as a minimum.

The report was noted.