Celtic Sea Ports: Who Wins and Why?

As activity in the Celtic Sea grows, ports across South West England and Wales are positioning themselves for new opportunities. But simply being close to offshore development does not guarantee that a port — or its surrounding community — will benefit in the long term.

This seminar asks a deceptively simple question: which ports win, and why? It will explore the emerging network of ports around the Celtic Sea and the different roles they could play, from construction and assembly to operations, maintenance and specialist marine services. Just as importantly, it will consider what determines whether ports capture lasting economic value, jobs and investment, or simply host activity whose greater economic benefits are captured elsewhere.

The discussion brings together three important perspectives on these questions: Miles Carden, CEO of Falmouth Harbour; Matt Hodson, Chief Operating Officer at Celtic Sea Power; and Drystan Jones, Director of Port Development at Balaena Falmouth. Together they will examine how the Celtic Sea's emerging multi-port system could develop, the choices that determine which ports secure significant roles within it, and where Falmouth might fit.

With major decisions about port infrastructure and offshore development now taking shape, the session will consider what Falmouth needs to do if it is to turn its location, harbour and existing marine expertise into sustained economic value for the town and Cornwall.