The Welsh Ports Group has published a new briefing setting out the key priorities for the ports sector ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections.
The four-page paper highlights the important role ports play in supporting the Welsh economy, trade and the energy transition, and outlines how policymakers can help unlock further investment and growth across the sector.
Welsh ports act as gateways for trade between Wales, Ireland, continental Europe and global markets, while also serving as logistics centres, energy supply-chain hubs and tourism destinations. The sector supports around 12,000 jobs, while the wider logistics economy in Wales employs more than 90,000 people.
Ports also underpin a wide range of existing industries across Wales, including manufacturing, construction, steel supply chains, retail logistics, tourism and fishing. . They play an important role in supporting the country’s established energy sectors and supply chains while helping to safeguard important waterways such as the Milford Haven Waterway, the Severn Estuary and Swansea Bay.
Looking ahead, ports are expected to play a central role in enabling future industries in Wales, particularly in clean energy. Offshore wind development in the Celtic Sea, alongside emerging technologies such as hydrogen production, carbon capture and sustainable fuels, presents significant opportunities for ports to attract investment, support supply chains and create skilled jobs.
The briefing sets out three priority areas for Welsh ports the next Senedd:
Maximising offshore wind and industrial supply chain opportunities
Enabling timely planning and marine consenting,
Delivering a Welsh freight and logistics strategy in a UK-wide context
The Welsh Ports Group is encouraging policymakers and stakeholders to work closely with the sector to ensure ports can continue supporting existing industries and jobs while also enabling new investment, clean energy development and long-term economic growth.
The full briefing, “Strategic assets for Wales’ economy and energy future”, is available here:
Welsh Ports Group – Strategic assets for Wales’ economy and energy future
Welsh Ports Group – Strategic assets for Wales’ economy and energy future