THE HEAD of the Celtic Freeport has stepped down from the role less than two years after being appointed.

Luciana Ciubotariu officially left the post on April 16, with the organisation confirming her departure in a brief statement.

No explanation has been given for the move, but board members praised her contribution during a key period in the freeport’s development and said details of the search for a successor would be announced later.

Ms Ciubotariu joined the Celtic Freeport in May 2024 after previously working with Thames Freeport in London. She was brought in to help steer the project through its formative stages and played a central role in shaping its early direction.

Her exit comes at an important time for the scheme.

Only weeks ago, Neath Port Talbot Council approved a memorandum of understanding with the UK Government, Welsh Government, Pembrokeshire County Council and Celtic Freeport Company Limited. The agreement is intended to confirm the council’s role as the accountable body as the project moves into its next stage.

The Celtic Freeport, which was formally launched in late 2024, is a joint initiative involving Associated British Ports, the Port of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire County Council and Neath Port Talbot Council.

The project is designed to create designated tax and customs zones aimed at attracting major investment and boosting economic growth across south-west Wales.

In a statement, the organisation said Ms Ciubotariu had led the freeport through the approval of its full business case and helped secure the memorandum of understanding with both the UK and Welsh governments.

That agreement is expected to unlock £25 million in public funding for the project.

The board said it was grateful for her work in helping establish the freeport and wished her well for the future.

Port says dock is being actively marketed as company unveils vast shed plan that could transform town skyline and create up to 3,000 jobs

A HUGE plan to turn Milford Haven’s dry dock into the heart of a £480 million superyacht construction and refit yard has been unveiled, in what could become one of the most dramatic development proposals ever put forward for the town.

Renderings released alongside the announcement show a colossal enclosed build hall covering the existing dry dock and dominating the waterfront skyline. Based on the images, the proposed structure appears likely to be nearly as long as some of the German submarine pens built on the French Atlantic coast during the war.

The scheme has been put forward by Superyacht Sales UK, which says it is in early-stage discussions with Milford Haven Port Authority over the possible use of the Port’s 180-metre dry dock as part of a long-term vision for a major new marine engineering hub in Pembrokeshire.

The company says the wider project could eventually support up to 3,000 skilled jobs and generate around £150 million a year in social value, while helping establish Milford Haven as a centre for superyacht refit, construction and green marine technology.

Port’s response cautious

Despite the eye-catching scale of the proposal, the Port has given only a limited response.

In a statement to The Herald, a spokesperson for Milford Haven Port Authority said: “The dry dock is commercially available for rent and is being actively marketed. We have responded to various organisations that have shown an interest. We are unable to comment further due to commercial sensitivities.”

That response makes clear the dry dock is being marketed commercially and that Superyacht Sales UK is not the only organisation to have shown interest.

The release issued by Superyacht Sales UK says the company is also exploring the possible development of a custom new-build shipyard on the site of the former Royal Naval Armaments Depot on the edge of Milford Haven. However, it acknowledges that no contact has yet been made with the current landowners and that the entire proposal remains at concept and feasibility stage.

Kerry Ballard, founder of Superyacht Sales UK, described the plans as a long-term ambition and said discussions with the Port were exploratory.

She said: “This is a long-term vision, and we are at a very early stage. Our discussions with Milford Haven Port Authority are exploratory, focused on understanding what may be possible in respect of the existing dry dock facilities.

“Milford Haven presents a compelling opportunity. The combination of deep-water access, industrial heritage, and alignment with the Celtic Freeport strategy, particularly around hydrogen and green energy, creates a highly attractive proposition for a next-generation shipyard.”

She added that any development of this scale would need to be shaped in partnership with the local community, stakeholders and education providers.

Questions over scale

There is no doubt the vision is bold. If built in anything like the form shown in the released images, the structure would completely alter the appearance of the docks and create a huge new industrial landmark visible across much of the town.

Rather than sitting beside the dry dock, the proposed shed appears designed to swallow it almost whole, enclosing the dock within a giant shell intended for superyacht construction and refit work under cover.

The sheer scale of the concept is likely to prompt both excitement and scepticism locally.

Supporters will point to Milford Haven’s deep-water access, industrial heritage, marine infrastructure and long association with heavy engineering and energy industries. In theory, those strengths could make it a credible location for specialist shipyard activity if sufficient private investment and commercial demand existed.

The company says the international market for superyachts over 30 metres is growing, with existing European yards facing capacity constraints. Its pitch is that West Wales could capture part of that market while also linking the development to future propulsion systems, including hybrid, battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vessels.

The proposal also includes talk of partnerships with colleges and universities to create training pathways in advanced composites, precision engineering and sustainable marine technologies.

Speculative at this stage

For Milford Haven, the attraction is obvious. A project on this scale would not just mean another industrial tenant taking over an existing dock facility. It would represent a major shift in ambition for the waterfront and could, if realised, bring a new type of high-value engineering work into Pembrokeshire.

But serious questions remain.

No planning application has been submitted. No formal development agreement has been announced. The Port has not indicated support for any specific proposal. At this stage, there is no public evidence of secured funding for a project on anything like the scale being discussed.

There are also likely to be wider questions about land control, infrastructure demands, environmental considerations, traffic, visual impact and whether local people would genuinely benefit from the promised jobs and training.

For now, the proposal remains an ambitious vision rather than a confirmed development.

If the idea progresses, it could mark the start the biggest waterfront development discussions the town has seen in years.

Private country house venue near St Davids combines elegant celebrations, fine dining and countryside stays

TUCKED away in the Pembrokeshire countryside just a short drive from St Davids, Crug Glas Country House has built a reputation as one of the area’s most exclusive wedding and events venues.

Set among peaceful rural surroundings and restored historic buildings, the venue offers couples and guests a private country house experience where they can celebrate, stay, dine and unwind in stylish surroundings.

Crug Glas is particularly well known for its exclusive-use weddings, giving couples the chance to enjoy the venue as their own for the day. From smaller, intimate ceremonies to larger celebrations, the setting offers flexibility as well as privacy, allowing each wedding to be tailored to suit the couple’s vision.

With elegant interiors, attractive outdoor spaces and dedicated areas for both ceremonies and receptions, the venue is designed to provide a smooth and relaxed flow throughout the day.

Food is also a major part of the Crug Glas experience. The kitchen focuses on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, with menus designed to feel refined while still personal to each event. From wedding breakfasts and private dinners to other celebrations, the dining experience is regularly praised by guests as one of the highlights of the venue.

Crug Glas also hosts Sunday lunches on the last Sunday of every month, offering another chance for visitors to enjoy the setting and its food in a more informal way.

For those staying overnight, the country house offers individually styled rooms combining comfort with character. The accommodation is aimed at giving guests a luxurious but welcoming place to relax, whether they are part of a wedding party, attending a private event, or simply enjoying a countryside break.

While weddings remain at the heart of Crug Glas, the venue is also used for private parties, retreats, workshops and group gatherings. Its adaptable layout and attentive service make it suitable for a wide range of events, while maintaining the same sense of quality and exclusivity.

Guests frequently praise the venue for its peaceful location, high standard of food, beautiful rooms and friendly team, with many describing their stay or event as memorable and seamless from start to finish.

Located in the heart of Pembrokeshire but within easy reach of local towns and coastal attractions, Crug Glas offers a combination of privacy, comfort and understated luxury that continues to make it a popular choice for special occasions.

For wedding bookings, private events and accommodation enquiries, contact Crug Glas Country House directly.