The industry has welcomed publication of the Welsh government’s maritime and logistics plan, which recognises the critical role the sector plays in economic growth.
The plans sets out a potential strategic direction for the next government to consider and outlines how Wales could benefit from the growth of offshore renewable energy, the recent development of Freeports and advancements in logistics technology.
It identifies priorities and opportunities, including the need to decarbonise freight, support modal shift, address workforce shortages and enhance the attractiveness of logistics careers.
The cabinet secretary for transport, Ken Skates, said: “This plan has been developed with input from stakeholders, addressing industry concerns, and so provides a clear foundation upon which future governments may choose to build.”
Logistics UK said it was now imperative that the Welsh government acted swiftly to deliver the plans in the strategy.
“Logistics UK and our members have consistently called for a focused, coordinated approach to developing Wales’s logistics and transport strategy, including the creation of a Welsh Maritime and Logistics Council, chaired by a Welsh government minister or senior civil servant,” said Josh Fenton, senior policy manager at Logistics UK.
“The recommendation of exactly this proposal in the newly published plan shows that the Welsh government has been listening to our requests and recognises the critical contribution that our members can make to deliver economic growth and provide supply chain resilience across Wales and the wider UK.
“Our members are keen to play their part in delivering on these promises and keen to get started.”
