Carolyn Thomas MS hails Port of Mostyn expansion plan and job creation

Plans for a major expansion at the Port of Mostyn in Flintshire have been approved, a development welcomed by Carolyn Thomas, Member of the Senedd for North Wales.

The project is expected to create 300 new jobs and strengthen the region’s position in renewable energy generation.

Ms Thomas met with Jim O’Toole, Managing Director of the Port of Mostyn, at a ports event in Cardiff Bay to promote North Wales as a leader in renewable energy.

They also engaged with the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans MS, to discuss the expansion plans.

The approved project includes constructing a new 350-metre quay and reclaiming 13 acres of land, enabling the port to accommodate the next generation of larger floating offshore wind turbines.

Preparatory work is set to begin this autumn, with the construction phase creating 130 jobs and an additional 300 permanent positions anticipated as new windfarm projects commence in 2027.

Speaking after the approval, Carolyn Thomas said: “This is great news for the North Wales region. Not only will it bring new jobs and investment, but it also reinforces the unique opportunities our region provides for renewable energy generation.”

She added: “It is clear that the world must move away from a reliance on climate-damaging fossil fuels, and that transition can provide massive economic opportunities, particularly for Wales because of our unique geographical profile. We can be at the forefront of British renewable energy generation, providing long-term jobs, tackling the climate crisis, and lowering energy bills.”

Ms Thomas also highlighted the synergy between the port’s expansion and the new engineering unit at Coleg Llandrillo in Rhyl, which offers apprenticeships in wind turbine maintenance.

She noted: “The expansion of the Port of Mostyn and the jobs that come with it, combined with the training of highly-skilled wind turbine maintenance apprentices in Rhyl, means we are creating the jobs of the future for the next generation of North Walians.”

The Port of Mostyn has a history of pioneering renewable energy projects, being the base for the UK’s first two commercial windfarms, North Hoyle and Robin Rigg, constructed over 20 years ago.

The upcoming expansion aims to build on this legacy, positioning North Wales as a hub for green energy and economic growth.