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Chevron blast: Who is actually being prosecuted?

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CLAIMS by Valero Energy UK Ltd, the company operating Pembroke refinery, that it is not being prosecuted by HSE over a fatal blast in 2011 have been contradicted by the Health and Safety Executive.

But the incident clearly took place when Chevron was at the helm – so why is Valero being prosecuted, whilst Chevron is not?

The answer is about corporate structures, and the law governing companies.

Chevron Corporation in the USA will not face prosecution, as it sold the company which operated the oil refinery to Valero Energy Corporation, another American firm, in 2011, two months after the explosion which killed four people.

That operating company, which was originally founded in 1916 as Texaco Limited, became Chevron Limited in 2006, and then Valero Energy Limited on 10 August 2011.

On 31 December 2013 Valero Energy Limited became Valero Energy UK Limited during a corporate restructuring exercise.

In effect, the company Chevron Limited, which was the company operating on behalf of the American oil giant in the UK is still operating, under its new name Valero Energy UK Ltd.

In law, a company is a legal person, meaning it can be prosecuted and found guilty of an offence, just like a real person. Even if a person changes his or her name, a prosecution can still be brought for an alleged crime before the name change.

In this case, the companies being prosecuted by HSE are B & A Contracts Limited, and the firm founded 1916 as Texaco Limited which is now called Valero Energy UK Ltd. If you think that is confusing consider that the refinery is now being run by Valero Energy Limited, a different legal entity to Valero Energy UK Limited – but both still owned by Valero in the USA.

If they were being accurate, Valero would have to admit they were being prosecuted – but as one company they own, but as another, and that Chevron Corporation is completely home and dry.

Confirming that there had been confusion regarding who exactly was being prosecuted, a spokesperson from the Health and Safety Executive told The Herald: “Valero Energy UK Limited is one of the companies that HSE is prosecuting. The company number is 00145197. That company was previously named Valero Energy Limited and previous to that Chevron Limited. It should be noted that the current operator of the refinery now is Valero Energy Limited, which is a different legal entity.”

A Valero spokesperson said: “We can confirm we have been informed that the Health & Safety Executive is to bring proceedings against Chevron in relation to the incident at Pembroke Refinery in 2011.”

“Valero itself is named as a party to the proceedings simply because of its subsequent acquisition of the refinery.”

The Herald does not agree that proceedings are being taken against Chevron in any way.

The families have been asked for a comment.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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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)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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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)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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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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