£650,000 in funding to make Pembroke Dock a centre for marine renewable energy research and development has been given the go-ahead by the Port of Milford Haven.

The Port’s board of directors have allocated the funds to kick-start dockyard improvements which will form part of Pembroke Dock Marine, the £76m Swansea Bay City Deal project which will see the Port of Milford Haven partner with Marine Energy Wales, ORE Catapult and Wave Hub to develop a world class centre for marine energy research and development, fabrication, testing and deployment.

The funding will maintain momentum on the crucial planning and consenting work and will help ensure building work can commence quickly once the City Deal business plan has been signed off.

Chief Executive Alec Don said: “By releasing this funding, the Port is demonstrating its confidence in the project.

“The funding creates vital impetus for Pembroke Port and Pembroke Dock Marine, allowing us to tackle extensive planning legwork now, so that we can hit the road running when the full City Deal funding comes through.

“Pembrokeshire’s capacity to capitalise on its unique location and supply chain, next to one of the Country’s richest areas for marine renewable energy, is limited only by its intent to put in place the infrastructure, partnerships and funding necessary. “The Port is only one of the partners involved in the project, of course, accounting for 37 per cent of the total package, but we are stating, in the clearest terms possible, that we are committed to making Pembroke Dock Marine a world-leading centre in this fast-growing sector.

“We look forward to working with our partners to make this project a success.”

Pembroke Dock Marine creates an opportunity for Pembrokeshire to be at the heart of an emerging industry with a potential market predicted to be worth around €53bn each year.

The Port of Milford Haven’s Engineering Director Tim Bownes, who is heading up the Pembroke Port element of the project, said there will be a comprehensive period of consultation, during which the views of stakeholders, including the general public, will be sought.

“This is an exciting project that could transform the area and it will bring opportunities for local people and businesses,” said Tim. “We will be asking all interested parties to come forward if they have any questions about the project. Our door will be open. There will also be formal consultations taking place in due course.”