December 19 - The Port of Milford Haven's board of directors have approved funding for a major project that plans to make the Pembroke Dock a centre for marine renewable energy research and development.

The GBP76 million (USD101.5 million) Swansea Bay City Deal project will see the Welsh port partner with Marine Energy Wales, ORE Catapult and Wave Hub to develop a centre for marine energy research and development, fabrication, testing and deployment in Pembrokeshire.

The port has allocated GBP650,000 (USD868,000) to kick start dockyard improvements which will form part of Pembroke Dock Marine.

According to the port, building work can commence once the City Deal business plan has been signed off.

The Port of Milford Haven's engineering director, Tim Bownes, who is heading up the Pembroke port element of the project, said there will be a comprehensive period of consultation, during which the views of stakeholders, including the general public, will be sought.