News
Milford Haven: Port sells off shares in Danish firm Marimatech
THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has this week (Dec 16) announced that it has concluded an agreement to sell its investment in Marimatech as part of a sale of the whole of the Marimatech business to Trelleborg Offshore and Construction.
Alec Don, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, said “Marimatech has been a profitable investment for the port. More importantly Marimatech’s new world-beating Safepilot navigation software is now an integral part of our operation, making a major contribution to safe navigation within the port.”
When the Port bought just over a third share in Marimatech in 2012, it said the firm had a significant share in the world’s largest supplier of hi-tech maritime laser docking systems.
The Danish began manufacturing laser docking technology in 1988, entered into administration after experiencing some financial difficulties before the Port invested.
The Port’s director of corporate affairs, Mark Andrews, said at the time that it had been a satisfied customer of Marimatech for almost 10 years, and the company’s products continued to play a major role in the safe management of the Waterway.
“Marimatech’s technology is second to none,” he explained. “So once we became aware of the company’s financial position, it seemed in everyone’s interests to reach an agreement with the three other investors, and the bank, to purchase a share of a restructured and, with the new equity injection, a significantly stronger business.
“The business has a firm order book for the next 12 months and we are confident that the new management team will grow the business over the next three years.”
Pilots at Milford Haven Port use the latest version of Marimatech’s ‘E-sea Fix’ system – a highly accurate position fixing system which pilots carry aboard ships. Mr Andrews added: “The system gives the pilot a highly accurate picture of a vessel’s position, completely independent of its own equipment, and is of significant value when manoeuvring large ships.”
Marimatech A/S was set up by Erik Brinch Nielsen in 1988. In 2012 it was confirmed that the other owners of Marimatech were: investor Niels Jørgen Vase, who has more than 30 years’ experience in marine survey technology, engineering and software development businesses; Tommy Guldhammer Mikkelsen, Marimatech’s development manager with over 15 years’ experience in the sector; and Britt Degn Nielsen, Marimatech’s chief financial officer.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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