Anglesey selected to become one of the first freeports in Wales

In May 2022, Welsh Government reached an agreement with the UK Government to establish a freeport programme in Wales.

Following a bidding process, the Welsh and UK Governments have jointly agreed to create two freeports in Wales, which are expected to be operational later this year.

The freeport will be based by the port of Holyhead, Anglesey Prosperity Zone, Rhosgoch and Menai Science Park.

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It will develop the Energy Island Programme (EIP) by focusing on marine energy technology testing on the seabed (tidal and wind).

The freeport aims to create between 3,500 and 13,000 jobs by 2030, with an increased GVA of approximately £500million.

It also anticipates significant inward investment, including the possibility of £1.4bn in the green energy sector.

The Celtic Freeport in Milford Haven and Port Talbot is the other that has been chosen.

The freeports will form special zones with the benefits of simplified customs procedures, relief on customs duties, tax benefits, and development flexibility.

Welsh freeports will promote fair work opportunities and prioritise environmental sustainability and the climate emergency.

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They are designed to promote regeneration and high-quality job creation, become a national hub for global trade and investment across the economy, and foster an innovative environment.

The successful bids are focused on boosting the distinct strengths the sites boast, exploiting opportunities from offshore wind and marine energy to advanced manufacturing and innovation.

The two freeports aim to collectively create about 20,000 jobs by 2030 and attract up to £4.9bn in public and private investments.

First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, said: “I am pleased to confirm the Celtic Freeport in Milford Haven and Port Talbot and Anglesey Freeport have been selected as Wales’ new freeports.

“The Welsh Government has a clear economic mission to transform the Welsh economy, creating a stronger, fairer and greener future.

“The designation of these sites as Wales’ first freeports will reinforce that mission, building on the significant investments and partnerships we have made in these regions over many years.

“The joint working between governments on the freeport programme should serve as a blueprint for future intergovernmental work on a whole range of issues.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Wales is a thriving part of the UK, and today’s new freeports will see businesses and opportunities for people in and around Anglesey, Port Talbot and Milford Haven go from strength to strength.

“Everyone deserves equality of opportunity and working closely with the Welsh Government has helped to deliver these fantastic new sites.

“Today’s freeports show the hard work being done day in, day out to bring new, high-skilled jobs to communities across Wales and deliver on my promise to grow the economy."

Economy minister, Vaughan Gething MS, said: “I would like to congratulate the Celtic and Anglesey teams for their exceptional bids to be awarded freeport status.

“Due to the compelling set of proposals presented to us, I have agreed with the UK Government that a second freeport in Wales can be supported.

“Our ports are an intrinsic part of our rich industrial history. They will be an engine room of our future economy and these bids are designed to accelerate that journey.

“From offshore energy to advanced manufacturing, they will help create tens of thousands of new jobs – which will support our highly ambitious plans to reach net zero by 2050.

“This will help harness our abundant economic potential domestically and internationally, whilst promoting fair work and sustainability here in Wales.

“I look forward to seeing our freeports delivering meaningful economic and social benefits for Wales.”

Minister for North Wales, Lesley Griffiths MS, said: “This is great news for Anglesey and I know it will be welcomed in the region. 

“The port of Holyhead is a real asset for the whole of North Wales and the freeport will be a significant boost for the people and economy of Anglesey and the wider North West Wales region.”

The UK Government will provide up to £26m of non-repayable starter funding for each of the freeports being established in Wales.

This represents parity with the deals offered to each of the English and Scottish freeports.

Welsh Ministers agreed to support freeport policies in Wales following the UK Government’s agreement it would meet the Welsh Government’s demands that both governments would act as a ‘partnership of equals’ to establish freeports in Wales.

The Welsh and UK Governments have jointly published a prospectus, which set out the policy objectives both seek to achieve through the establishment of the freeport programme.

The bidding process opened on September 1, 2022 and closed on November 24; three bids were received by the deadline.

The successful bids will be taken forward to the next stage of the process – the development of an outline business case.

Rhun ap Iorwerth, Ynys Môn MS, added: “I want to congratulate Anglesey bid team - led by Anglesey Council and Stena - for their work in making the successful case to Welsh and UK Governments for the Ynys Môn freeport.

“Having fought and won assurances on workers’ rights and environmental protections, and for a level playing field with England in terms of funding, I’m confident that with careful planning this freeport status can bring real economic potential.

“We must now build on Anglesey’s strengths to create new economic opportunities for communities on the island, and across North Wales.

“However, the hard work starts now, and my priority is to ensure that this freeport status and the opportunities that come from it remain true to our aspirations and interests as a community.”