Following the successful news that the UK and Welsh governments have granted Pembrokeshire’s Haven Estuary freeport status, those involved in the campaign have described the news as the start of ‘a new chapter of prosperity’ for West Wales.

After months of campaigning, Pembrokeshire’s politicians have come together to celebrate the long-term benefits that freeport status will bring to local communities across the region.

It has been estimated that the Celtic Freeport site is to generate upward of £5.5 billion in public and private investment and create 16,000 new green jobs for local people.

In addition to this, the plans for the Haven Estuary are set to heavily focus upon the establishment of low carbon technologies, such as floating offshore wind (FLOW), hydrogen creation, carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) and biofuels to support the accelerated reduction of carbon emissions.

The project, which has been backed by up to £26 million in UK Government seed-funding, is expected to boost the economy and address shortfalls that are currently preventing large-scale investment.

With the freeport site expected to be operational later this year, Pembrokeshire’s politicians have claimed that the benefits of this large-scale investment will be felt in the long-term.

Leading the calls for the freeport in Cardiff Bay, Senedd Member for Carmarthen West & South Pembrokeshire, Samuel Kurtz, said: “Partnership working has ensured that West Wales can become a world-leader in green energy generation with a local supply chain underpinning it. Simply put, the Celtic Freeport is a game changer for the Haven Waterway.

“As we look to the future, the freeport will help strengthen our communities, provide job opportunities for local people and will also see Pembrokeshire at the forefront of a global technology, floating offshore wind.

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb said: “This is the beginning of a new chapter of prosperity for Pembrokeshire.

“Over the next decade, the Celtic Freeport will transform our communities and deliver investment straight to our doorstep. I’m thrilled that the case we made to the UK and Welsh governments has been successful.”

Preseli Pembrokeshire’s Senedd Member, Paul Davies MS, said: “This announcement will unlock our untapped potential and ensure that we can play our part in securing the United Kingdom’s energy security.

“With greater investment will come more jobs and significant opportunity. The next decade will see our communities put back on the map.”

Simon Hart, MP for Carmarthen West & South Pembrokeshire, commented: “This announcement puts West Wales on the path to a new, green and global future.

“As a consequence of UK Government seed-funding our communities will be levelled-up and stronger than ever before.”