Freeport Status Secured in North Wales in Move Backers Say Will Create Thousands of Jobs

27th March 2023

Holyhead, Anglesey has been designated 'freeport' status by the UK and Welsh governments having reached a deal for two Welsh freeports, the other successful bidder was Celtic Freeport (Milford Haven and Port Talbot). Credit: NorthWalesLive-facebook

A freeport status in Anglesey, north Wales has been secured in a move backers say will create thousands of jobs for the region.

The Welsh Government in May, 2022 had reached an agreement with the UK Government to establish a freeport programme in Wales. This followed a long stand-off between the governments over the levels of funding.

The island freeport around Holyhead (located on Holy Island off Angelsey), was up against bids from ports in south Wales through Celtic Freeport, comprising of Milford Haven and Port Talbot. In addition to the bid of a multi-site freeport that included Cardiff Airport.

The recent announcement of the Freeports status had confirmed that Anglesey and the Celtic Freeport had both been successful bidders.

The UK and Welsh governments announced the news as a joint decision and this will lead the UK Government to provide up to £26m of non-repayable starter funding for the three freeports.

Of these ports, Afloat highlights Holyhead and Milford Haven (Pembroke Dock) have ferry links to Ireland.

For much more on the freeports deal which has secured £52m, NorthWalesLive reports.

Published in Ports & Shipping

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Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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