Pembroke Dock: Marine Project & Boat Building Boom

Pembroke Dock is experiencing a significant surge in activity, particularly within its marine sector. This vibrant Welsh port is at the heart of a substantial new build contract and a forward-thinking redevelopment project, both poised to bring considerable economic benefits and job creation to the region. This article delves into the specifics of these developments, exploring the new pilot boats being constructed, the ambitious Pembroke Dock Marine project, and a brief look back at the town's historical connection to maritime and military operations.

New Pilot Boats for Port of Milford Haven

A major milestone for Pembroke Dock's marine engineering capabilities has been the securing of a significant £3.6 million contract to construct three new pilot boats for the Port of Milford Haven. This prestigious project underscores the skilled workforce and advanced facilities available at Pembroke Dock. Mainstay Marine Solutions, a key player in the region's maritime industry, is undertaking this vital construction at their deep-water facility.

Vessel Specifications and Design

The three new pilot boats are impressive vessels, each measuring 19 metres in length and designed by the renowned Camarc Design. These boats are engineered for demanding operational environments, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 14 knots and accommodating up to 12 persons. Their design is a testament to proven success, closely resembling the 'Picton' model that was delivered to the port authority back in 2008. In fact, Mainstay Marine Solutions has an established track record, having previously built nine similarly designed boats, demonstrating their expertise in this specialised field.

Robust Performance in Challenging Conditions

A key feature of these new pilot boats is their exceptional resilience and capability to operate in adverse weather conditions. They are specifically designed to handle heavy seas, with the capacity to function effectively in swells up to 5 metres in wave height. Furthermore, these robust craft are built to withstand significant operational wear and tear, with an expected durability to endure 1,000 vessel impacts over a duty cycle of 2,500 hours annually. This level of robustness is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of port operations.

Workforce Expansion and Economic Impact

The award of this substantial contract has a direct positive impact on local employment. Mainstay Marine Solutions has already expanded its workforce to 60 individuals over the past year and is actively seeking to recruit more local talent for a variety of skilled positions to meet the increased demand. This expansion highlights the growing need for expertise in marine engineering and construction within Pembroke Dock.

Quotes from Key Stakeholders

Stewart Graves, Managing Director of Mainstay Marine Solutions, expressed his pride in the achievement: "Mainstay Marine Solutions has an enviable track record of delivering high quality pilot vessels, and we’re looking forward to completing this latest contract for Milford Haven Port Authority. The business met the initial targets set by the new management team for 2014, and this contract forms part of an encouraging start to 2015."

Andy Jones, Deputy Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, emphasised the strategic importance of the renewal: "The renewal of our pilot boat fleet is an important decision for the port. We have focused on ensuring we have the right boat with the right commitments in relation to maintenance and reliability for the challenging operational environment we deal with every day here in Milford Haven. We are pleased that this order will lead to the creation of high skill local jobs in the marine engineering and renewable energy sector."

The Pembroke Dock Marine Project: A Vision for the Future

Beyond the pilot boat contract, Pembroke Dock is also a focal point for the ambitious Pembroke Dock Marine project. This multi-million-pound initiative aims to transform the port into a world-class centre of excellence for the energy and engineering sectors, with a particular emphasis on capitalising on the burgeoning marine renewables industry. This project represents a significant investment in the future of Pembrokeshire and its communities.

Phase One: Hangar Annex Renovation

The initial phase of the Pembroke Dock Marine project involves the renovation of four Grade II listed hangar annexes, which are attached to the historic Sunderland Hangars. These renovations will convert these spaces into flexible, modern workspaces and a dedicated workshop. The contractor, R&M Williams, is already on site, with completion of this phase expected by November of next year. This regeneration of historical structures into functional, contemporary facilities is a key aspect of the project.

Future Works and Infrastructure Development

Further developments are planned to enhance the port's capabilities significantly. These include extending the port's laydown and fabrication spaces, enlarging a slipway to improve the transfer of large structures between land and sea, and the installation of a new workboat pontoon. These enhancements are designed to provide greater flexibility and capacity for the growing demands of the marine sector, particularly for the assembly and deployment of offshore energy devices.

Economic Opportunities and Job Creation

The Pembroke Dock Marine project is an integral part of the £1.3 billion Swansea Bay City Deal. It is described as a "once in a generation opportunity" to regenerate Pembroke Dock and the surrounding areas by creating the necessary infrastructure and facilities to support the expanding marine renewables industry. It is estimated that the entire project will generate approximately 1,800 high-skilled, year-round jobs, offering long-term career prospects for both the current workforce and future generations.

Community Benefits and Vision

Steve Edwards, Commercial Director at the Port of Milford Haven, commented on the progress: "It’s wonderful to see the project underway at Pembroke Port. We’re creating a modern facility here that will allow developers of cutting-edge marine energy technology to reach commercialisation."

Pembroke Dock Mayor, Joshua Beynon, highlighted the broader impact: "This huge piece of development in our town is a fantastic opportunity to provide green jobs and employment for residents across Pembroke Dock and Pembrokeshire. Our town needs this investment to make it a 21st-century area that is ready to tackle the issues of today and tomorrow and reach our climate change commitments."

Funding and Investment

The Pembroke Dock Marine project is a collaborative effort, receiving funding from the Swansea Bay City Deal, the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, and private investment. This multi-faceted funding approach demonstrates the project's significance and broad support.

Historical Context of Pembroke Dock

Pembroke Dock's connection to maritime and defence activities stretches back centuries. The town's history is deeply intertwined with its role as a naval dockyard and a military garrison.

Naval Dockyard and Military Garrison

The establishment and growth of the naval dockyard necessitated the development of a strong defensive infrastructure. Pembroke Dock evolved into a military town, with significant construction projects undertaken from the mid-19th century onwards. This included the building of defensible barracks starting in 1844, which initially housed the Royal Marines. Over the years, various regiments were stationed here. The construction of two Martello towers between 1849 and 1857 further illustrates the focus on defence.

RAF Base and Modern Era

In the 20th century, Pembroke Dock also served as a significant Royal Air Force (RAF) base, playing a crucial role during wartime. While the military and naval presence has diminished over time, the town's maritime heritage continues to be a defining characteristic, now being revitalised through modern industrial and technological advancements.

Renaming Proposals

Interestingly, Pembroke Dock has faced proposals to change its name in the past, driven by a desire to improve its image and address perceptions of high unemployment and industrial decline. Suggestions like Pembroke Haven or Pembroke Harbour were considered, even a reversion to its pre-1814 name, Paterchurch. However, these proposals were rejected in referendums, indicating a strong connection to the town's established identity.

Summary of Key Developments

The current developments in Pembroke Dock represent a significant turning point for the town and the wider region. The combination of the lucrative pilot boat construction contract and the transformative Pembroke Dock Marine project signals a bright future for marine engineering, renewable energy, and skilled employment. These initiatives not only leverage the town's historical strengths but also position it at the forefront of future industrial growth.

Key Takeaways:

• £3.6m contract for three new 19m pilot boats.
• Job creation and workforce expansion in marine engineering.
• Pembroke Dock Marine project aims to create a centre of excellence for energy and engineering.
• Regeneration of historic hangars for modern workspaces.
• Infrastructure upgrades to support the marine renewables industry.
• Projected 1,800 high-skill jobs from the Marine project.
• Strong community backing for economic development and green jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: What is the main focus of the new contract in Pembroke Dock?
The main focus is the construction of three new 19-metre pilot boats for the Port of Milford Haven, a £3.6 million contract awarded to Mainstay Marine Solutions.

Q2: What are the key goals of the Pembroke Dock Marine project?
The project aims to create a world-class energy and engineering centre of excellence, capture economic value from renewable energy projects, and regenerate Pembroke Dock by providing the necessary infrastructure and facilities.

Q3: How many jobs are expected to be created by the Pembroke Dock Marine project?
Approximately 1,800 high-skill, year-round jobs are expected to be created as a result of the entire Pembroke Dock Marine project.

Q4: What kind of conditions can the new pilot boats operate in?
The new pilot boats are designed for heavy weather and can operate in swells up to 5 metres in wave height.

Q5: How is the Pembroke Dock Marine project funded?
The project is funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal, the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, and private investment.