Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on the progress made on it’s supporting Welsh ferry ports report?
The aim of the Supporting Welsh ferry ports (5 point plan) | GOV.WALES is to guide thinking and articulate the priority issues facing the logistics surrounding Welsh ports. Progress continues with UK Government on a range of port-related issues including floating offshore wind, border control posts and the Freeports programme.
The Freeports Programme in Wales aims to regenerate ports, foster economic growth and promote sustainability and fair work. Last year the Welsh and UK Governments jointly announced two prospective Freeports in Wales: the Celtic Freeport in Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire and the Ynys Mon / Anglesey Freeport. Both have now submitted outline business cases and proposed tax sites which are in the final stages of assessment by both governments. Agreement of outline business cases will lead to the designation of tax sites and an invitation to submit a full business case to release up to £25m of capital seed funding. These prospective Freeports are focused on boosting the distinct strengths that both sites boast, exploiting opportunities from offshore wind and marine energy to advanced manufacturing and innovation.
Further assessment of the five-point plan will be fed into the future Maritime Strategy, which is a commitment under Llwybr Newydd, the Wales Transport Strategy.