SINGAPORE based Puma Energy, the globally integrated midstream and downstream energy company, has today (March 13) announced the acquisition of a series of UK assets from Murco Petroleum Limited.

The acquisition includes the Milford Haven facility in Wales, UK and three inland terminals at Westerleigh, Theale and Bedworth, as well as Murco’s wholesale and distribution business in the UK.

There is no word yet on the number of jobs which will be created or secured at the Milford Haven site.

In response to the news, Cllr Jamie Adams, Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “The challenges of the Murco site at Milford Haven have been well recognised, and while a fully functioning refining operation was always my hope, any activity which retains jobs and indeed the infrastructure of the site is important for the Pembrokeshire economy.”

Commenting on this, Stephen Crabb MP said: “It’s good to hear that the future of the Milford Haven site as a storage and distribution site is secured. Obviously, this outcome is very far from what we had originally hoped would happen. We all wanted to see the site continuing as a refinery, but this news does at least provide security for the terminal and distribution employees at Murco, whose employment will be continued by Puma.”

Mr Crabb added: “The focus now is to look at what can be done to secure the future of the energy industry in Pembrokeshire. I am continuing to regularly meet with Roger Evans, the Chair of the Murco task force, to ensure that we keep up momentum in finding jobs for the remaining refinery workers who are still unemployed. We are also working to make Pembrokeshire a new centre of renewable energy, especially marine power, so that the County benefits from the changing energy industry in the UK.”

Paul Miller, Labour parliamentary candidate for Preseli Pembrokeshire told The Herald: “It is undoubtedly good news that at least some jobs are to be safeguarded at Murco in Milford Haven. I hope this deal offers a future for those still working on site and that the job numbers described by Puma are real and long term. Unfortunately though, there can be no doubt that the end of Refining in Milford Haven, together with the well paid and secure jobs lost, has been a hammer blow for the local economy. Hundreds of people, including my brother, lost their jobs just before Christmas and delivering alternative, well paid employment in Pembrokeshire has to be the absolute priority and focus for decision makers in the coming months and years.”

Cllr Miller added: “Pembrokeshire can’t just be a nice place to visit, it has to be a great place to live and work too. Nothing is more important for maintaining vibrant communities than ensuring people can earn a living and can support their families here in Pembrokeshire”.

In a statement a spokesman for Puma Energy, which employs 7500 people globally, said: “This in total adds approximately 1.4Mm3 of storage capacity to Puma Energy’s midstream operations of 5.6Mm3.   Under the terms of the agreement, which represents Puma Energy’s first acquisition in the United Kingdom, the Company will acquire the assets and convert the site into a state-of-the-art storage facility. Puma Energy are also delighted to be welcoming all the terminal and distribution employees.    As one of the world’s largest independent, integrated midstream and downstream companies, Puma Energy says it will apply its extensive experience in fuel storage at the facility – the result of which will make Milford Haven, which it considers  a key site securing the supply of energy to the UK and wider region during a period of change in European energy infrastructure.”

Big in Asia and Australia: Puma Energy

“The acquisition will complement Puma Energy’s existing global strategy of disciplined investing. It also signifies a significant strategic entry into the UK market for the supply of the full range of fuel products giving Puma Energy an immediate presence in the UK wholesale and distribution market. Milford Haven will provide another opportunity for Puma Energy to demonstrate its ability to operate to the highest of internationally-recognised environmental standards.”

The company advertises that it is experienced in working alongside various Environmental agencies across its geographic footprint of 45 countries. This includes a commendation by the US Environmental Protection Agency in Puerto Rico for its works at its Bayamon terminal and for globally constructing five state-of-the-art terminals in 2014.

Pierre Eladari, CEO for Puma Energy told The Herald: “Puma Energy continues our focused strategy of connecting supply from International markets to local distribution demand.”