On 9 September 2025, Portland Port and Portland Harbour Authority Ltd hosted representatives from the National Wealth Fund (NWF), including David Gwynne, Banking & Investments Director, and Rebecca Jarrett, Director for the South West and Wales. The visit highlighted the transformative potential of the Channel Gateway promoted by Morwind, a clean energy initiative poised to create thousands of jobs over the next three to five years as a wind hub port.
Bill Reeves, CEO, and Frank Cox, Planning and Consents Manager, welcomed the NWF team to Portland Port. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the strategic importance of the Channel Gateway project in supporting offshore wind (OSW) delivery in the UK. Portland’s role as a South Coast Port was emphasised as vital to a resilient, multi-port strategy, aligning with the Celtic Sea Cluster’s inclusion in The Crown Estate and Offshore Wind Industry Council’s Regional Growth Prospectus. This initiative aims to deliver the OSW Industrial Growth Plan, driving economic and industrial transformation.
Michael Huntingford, Director of Morwind, shared his vision for the Channel Gateway project. The proposal includes developing a sheltered, deep-water port with a 50-hectare quay and dockside area along the Isle of Portland’s coast. This facility could serve as a nationally significant manufacturing hub, supporting the OSW industry and supply chain while boosting UK and regional capacity. The project also promises long-term economic transformation and social value for the local community, addressing challenges faced by this deprived coastal area.
Matthew Piles, Strategic Director for Economic Growth at Dorset Council, highlighted the critical importance of the Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster projects, describing them as a “once in a lifetime opportunity” for the region’s future. The Channel Gateway project is a key component of this vision, with the potential to drive growth and innovation across Dorset.
Claire Pearce, Strategic Director for the Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster, reflected on the importance of the visit, stating:
“Fostering open dialogue and helping to inform key stakeholders, like the NWF, on Cluster projects is of vital importance to build the level of collaboration, cooperation and investment needed to get the Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster projects delivered. Dorset is on the map and we need to continue to make positive steps forward. The NWF visit today was a key opportunity to showcase UK port assets and their potential for expansion that can unlock growth and help deliver the Industrial Strategy – specifically improving UK capability, security and resilience. Our thanks to all involved today and the Port for hosting us.”
The visit underscored the Channel Gateway’s potential to position Dorset as a leader in clean energy innovation, creating jobs, driving investment, and contributing to the UK’s net-zero ambitions.