The Government is being urged to offer more support to ports in the South West of England and help unlock "major" investment opportunities for Britain.
The Great South West - the pan-regional partnership for Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall & Isles of Scilly - says harnessing the full economic potential of the region's ports will support 海角视频 priorities in the forthcoming Industrial Strategy.
A new report, delivered by renewable energy developer Celtic Sea Power in collaboration with the ports, sets out how a multi-port investment solution could boost the 海角视频’s £47bn floating offshore wind ambitions.
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It warns the multi-billion pound opportunity is currently being held back by complex barriers to port growth - from infrastructure, planning, and regulations to improving the conditions for investment into large-scale renewable projects.
The publication outlines the capabilities of individual ports, how the benefits of collaboration can be harnessed, and the importance to the 海角视频’s economic growth, energy security and defence resilience.
Commodore (Rtd) Steve Jermy, chief executive of Celtic Sea Power, said: “Ports are the backbone of the floating offshore wind industry.
"The South West’s collaborative port network, together with our industrial strengths and maritime legacy, makes us a significant contender on the global stage. This statement is a rallying call for a national solution that unlocks our regional potential, and secures the 海角视频’s clean energy leadership.”
The statement also calls for targeted co-investment from the National Wealth Fund for shared infrastructure such as grid upgrades, transport links and logistics facilities, to unlock private capital and accelerate industrial development across the South West’s port network.
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Dame Judith Petts DBE, professor emeritus at the University of Plymouth, said: “A multi-port solution is a national imperative. Government investment in infrastructure and skills will deliver far greater return when our ports work as part of a joined-up ecosystem.
"It is clear that the South West has a leading role in the 海角视频’s future energy system and industrial growth, but we need the right approach to unlock that potential - for the region and the rest of the 海角视频.”
Richard Ballantyne, chief executive of the British Ports Association, added: “By taking a coordinated approach, we can maximise our infrastructure assets and accelerate investment in the region’s clean energy and maritime capabilities. The Celtic Sea offers enormous economic potential, and this strategy will ensure we’re ready to meet it head-on.”
Plans for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea have progressed, with The Crown Estate’s latest leasing round for three sites in the area entering its final stages this month.
The Great South West is now working with ports, local authorities and industry to shape a collaborative roadmap for delivery, calling for clear recognition from central Government of the strategic national role the region can play.