Business

Murco sale ‘agreed’ says MP

Published

11 years ago

June 28, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Future secure: Stephen Crabb MP has announced that Murco’s will stay open.

THERE has been a breakthrough in the ongoing negotiations to find a new buyer for Murco oil refinery in MIlford Haven.

Speaking on Saturday, Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb told The Herald: “I am delighted with the breakthrough today in negotiations over the sale of the Murco oil refinery in Milford Haven. The agreement in principle reached between Murphy and the buyer is a hugely positive step forward. The sale will secure hundreds of high quality jobs and will enable the refinery to continue operating fully. There remain challenges ahead, and a due diligence process to be completed, but I am just so pleased that we have reached this point. I am very optimistic that the sale can be completed. It has felt like a race against time to find a new buyer ever since Murphy started the clock on potential closure. I am very pleased that I was able to bring the buyer into the negotiations in the first instance and help broker a deal. At every step of the way I have remained in close contact with all parties and have worked tirelessly to keep negotiations flowing when difficulties arose. All along I have been incredibly impressed with the dedication of the workforce on site who have stayed focused despite the huge cloud of uncertainty hanging over the refinery.”

The Herald understands that a sale to oil entrepreneur Gary Klesch has been agreed, although the deal is yet to be finalised.

Speaking on BBC Wales on Sunday, Mr. Crabb said was delighted with the timing of the deal: “It was crucial to get this breakthrough this weekend because Murphy were clear that without that commitment, they were going to announce tomorrow morning they were beginning the process of shutting down the refinery altogether,”

Gary Klesch is an Anglo-American entrepreneur, who in 1990 founded The Klesch Group, a global industrial company, based in Geneva, Switzerland, which he owns and chairs.

Delyth Evans, Labour Parliamentary Candidate for South Pembrokeshire said on Sunday: “If this deal goes through it is fantastic news and a huge relief to employees at Murco and to the wider community. It is a vote of confidence in Pembrokeshire and in our skilled workforce. A lot of people including the Welsh Government have been working incredibly hard to secure a buyer for the plant, and it is to all their credit that these efforts appear to have finally paid off. I wish the new owners every success and I hope this will bring further investment to the area. News of the agreement in principle is very encouraging. Murco is an extremely important employer for the area, supporting more than 400 skilled, well paid jobs. The prolonged period of uncertainty has been difficult for everyone concerned.

Mrs Evans added: “I know that the Welsh Government Business Minister, Edwina Hart, will be leaving no stone unturned in trying to ensure a sale and save the jobs I sincerely hope for the successful completion of the sale.”

Murphy oil said yesterday: “Solid progress has been made on negotiations, but the deal has not yet been signed and sealed.”

Stephen Crabb said that he had worked closely with the UK and Welsh Government. He added “The crucial breakthrough came with the involvement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the past few days, when he put the full weight of his support behind keeping Murco open. It was a race against time. I first met with the current buyer give months ago and have remained in contact with them while Murphy was locked into negotiations with Grey-bull.”

Stephen Crabb told The Herald: “There was a concern at a UK level about the position held by Murphy Oil in Arkansas, USA. We needed to be sure that they were willing to sell the refinery as a going concern. It just so happens that I have a good working relationship with the Senator or Arkansas, who helped to open lines of communication between the UK Government and Murphy Oil. It was a question of pulling out all the stops and trying all angles to save the refinery.”

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

8 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

12 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

19 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.