Criterion Quay in Pembroke Dock represents one of the most important renewable‑energy infrastructure opportunities in Wales today. This 1.7‑hectare waterside site is construction‑ready, fully consented, and positioned at the heart of the Celtic Freeport. With strong demand from Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) developers and supply‑chain partners, the site can be rapidly transformed into Wales’ flagship FLOW Marshalling, Operations & Maintenance (O&M) hub.
Pembroke Port is prepared to deliver.
Why Criterion Quay Matters
A once‑in‑a‑generation industrial opportunity
The Crown Estate’s programme for the Celtic Sea outlines 4.5GW of FLOW deployment through Round 5 and a future pipeline of up to 12GW. This positions Wales at the epicentre of a new renewable energy frontier.
Ports are the critical enabler
FLOW developers will base marshalling and O&M activity where suitable port infrastructure exists. Without investment now, this activity risks relocating to European competitors that are already scaling up.
Timing is decisive
Infrastructure supporting Round 5 needs to be operational by 2031+. Criterion Quay is one of Wales’ only sites that can meet this timeline thanks to pre-secured planning consent and advanced design work.
The Transformation of Criterion Quay
Phase A - Ready to Deliver
Immediate-action works to unlock the site:
- Remediation of 17,000m² of brownfield land
- Reinstatement of the historic jetty for commercial operations
- Creation of laydown and berthing space for survey, cable‑lay, and installation vessels
Phases B–D - Building a FLOW Powerhouse
Future phases will deliver:
- New pontoons, strengthened quay walls, linkspans, and upgraded utilities
- A GW‑scale O&M base capable of servicing multiple FLOW developers
- Heavy‑lift capability linking town and port for turbine component exchange and repair
Total programme value: ~£64 million across four phases
Strategic Alignment with National Goals
Criterion Quay directly supports the ambitions of Welsh and UK energy and economic strategies, including:
- Welsh Government Ports Prospectus (2025) - naming Pembroke as a key deep-water port essential to achieving 20GW of offshore wind by 2045
- Celtic Freeport - catalysing green energy investment and jobs
- Crown Estate Celtic Sea Blueprint & Round 5 - highlighting Pembroke Port as a preferred assembly and deployment point
- Regional plans - Swansea Bay City Deal, South West Wales Regional Economic Delivery Plan, Regional Economic Framework
- UK Industrial Strategy (IS8 sectors) - clean energy, advanced manufacturing, defence, business services
Market Demand & Investment Pipeline
The momentum behind FLOW in the Celtic Sea is strong and growing. Pembroke Port is already seeing significant commercial and institutional interest:
- Engagement with 20+ FLOW developers
- Additional interest from supply‑chain partners
- Co‑investment discussions with public and private funders
- Geographic advantage: Pembroke Port is the closest port to the Celtic Sea lease zones, delivering operational, carbon, and cost savings for developers
A Vision for Wales’ Clean Energy Future
Criterion Quay offers a unique, time‑critical opportunity to establish Wales as a leader in the global FLOW industry. With planning permission secured, industry demand confirmed, and a clear development roadmap in place, Pembroke Port is ready to deliver the infrastructure needed to power a cleaner, more prosperous future for Wales.