The Celtic Freeport is set to embark on its next phase of development with the appointment of Luciana Ciubotariu as its inaugural chief executive, effective from May 2024. Luciana brings with her a wealth of experience, having previously served in senior management roles at the Thames Freeport and in various senior trade positions, including within the UK Government.

Her extensive background in driving growth and her strategic insight in trade and government affairs uniquely position her to lead the Celtic Freeport towards its goals of re-industrialisation, decarbonisation, and regeneration.

The announcement of Luciana’s appointment coincides with a significant milestone for the Celtic Freeport, as it completes the first major part of its development journey with the submission of the outline business case to the Welsh and UK Governments. To mark this transition, the Freeport has revamped its digital presence, unveiling a new website and establishing social media channels on LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

The Celtic Freeport, a public-private consortium comprising Associated British Ports, Neath Port Talbot Council, Pembrokeshire County Council, the Port of Milford Haven, renewables developers, energy companies, academic institutions, and education providers, covers the ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot. It encompasses clean energy developments, innovation assets, fuel terminals, a power station, heavy engineering, and the steel industry across South-West Wales.

Expressing her enthusiasm for her new role, Luciana Ciubotariu stated, “I am hugely excited to lead such a strong and purposeful partnership, and I am looking forward to collaborating with the wider community in achieving our ambitions for South Wales.”

She further emphasised the pivotal role the Celtic Freeport will play in shaping the green economy, highlighting its potential to accelerate supply chain innovation, attract significant investment in port infrastructure, alternative fuel plants, renewable energy bases, and factories, and facilitate skills development for new green industries and national decarbonisation efforts.

Roger Maggs MBE, chair of Celtic Freeport, expressed confidence in the appointment, stating, “The Celtic Freeport is an outstanding proposition, and now we have the start of an outstanding team to lead us into our next phase.”

For more information visit www.celticfreeport.wales