Two New Freeports to Turbocharge Wales’ Economy
The UK and Welsh governments have just announced a major win for Wales: two new Freeports have been greenlit! Anglesey and the combined Port Talbot and Milford Haven Freeports have successfully secured government backing, promising a boost in jobs and investment across the region.
Massive Investment and Jobs On The Way
- Anglesey Freeport and Celtic Freeport (Port Talbot & Milford Haven) win bids for Freeport status
- Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford jointly unveil successful sites
- Each Freeport backed by up to £26 million UK government funding
- Estimated £5 billion in private and public investment in the pipeline
- Expected to create around 20,000 high-skilled jobs boosting local economies
Freeports are special economic zones offering tax breaks and customs incentives designed to drive growth. They’ll become hubs for cutting-edge green technologies while revitalising communities that have long needed a boost.
What the Leaders Say
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak: “Wales is a thriving part of the UK and these new Freeports will see businesses and opportunities in Anglesey, Port Talbot, and Milford Haven soar. This partnership with the Welsh Government delivers on our promise to level up and create high-skilled jobs.”
First Minister Mark Drakeford: “The Celtic and Anglesey Freeports are a major step forward in transforming the Welsh economy — creating a stronger, fairer, and greener future. Our joint work with the UK Government on these sites sets a blueprint for future cooperation.”
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove: “Wales has huge untapped potential. By teaming up with the Welsh Government, we’ve secured two Freeports that will turbocharge economic growth and spread opportunity.”
Wales Economy Minister Vaughan Gething: “Huge congratulations to the Celtic and Anglesey teams for their winning bids. These Freeports will be engines of our future economy, creating tens of thousands of green jobs and supporting Wales’ net zero ambitions by 2050.”
Focus on Green Energy and Innovation
- Anglesey Freeport: Poised to attract £1.4 billion in green energy investments. Expected to create 3,500 jobs by 2030. Will focus on marine energy tech, low-carbon solutions, and infrastructure upgrades including Holyhead port redevelopment.
- Celtic Freeport: Targeting £3.5 billion investment in hydrogen and low-carbon tech like floating offshore wind and carbon capture. Aims to create 16,000 jobs and boost regional regeneration.
The Bigger Picture
The new Freeports plug into the UK Government’s Plan for Wales, which aims to grow the economy, spread opportunity, and level up all corners of Wales. This announcement follows successful Freeport launches across England and new green Freeports planned in Scotland.
Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies: “Two Freeports in Wales is fantastic news — a massive boost for jobs and investment. The government is committed to expanding Freeports, and Wales is poised to reap the rewards.”
Ministers confirm they’ll work closely with these sites to ensure they open fast and deliver maximum economic impact. Plans are also underway to support other regions that missed out on Freeport status, to help boost growth across Wales.
