News

Port’s Annual Report highlights challenging trading and diversification

Published

4 years ago

June 1, 2021

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN’S 2020 Annual Report and Accounts highlights the challenging trading conditions felt in 2020 due to Covid-19. Designated a frontline operation as part of the pandemic response, the Port’s focus for the reporting period was not just financial; it’s aims were to ensure the safety of its own employees, maintaining support for other key worker operations on the Milford Haven Waterway and wider community, whilst progressing its ambition for diversification.

LNG shipping remained strong and demonstrated the Waterway’s importance as a nationally vital energy hub with, at one point during the pandemic, 85% of the UK’s gas needs being satisfied by the Waterway terminals. However, overall shipping was down with cargo volume falling to 33.5 tonnes (2019: 35m) reflecting the significantly reduced demand for transportation fuels. Total revenue was also down, 10% year on year at £25.2m (2019: £28.1m). This had a major impact on profitability with an operating loss of £0.7m reported for the year (2019: £5.7m). A return to profitability is anticipated in 2021.

By prioritising safe working practice, the Port was able to manage the safety of its employees and maintain frontline operations with no significant impact to vessel traffic during the year. Investment also continued in the Port’s core maritime operations to maximise long-term resilience and reflect a new core value of sustainability; ensuring that decisions and investments the Port make are carefully considered for their impact both on our business operations and the wider environment.

Progress was also made with the Port’s flagship projects, Milford Waterfront and Pembroke Dock Marine. With the hospitality industry stalled and events cancelled, the Port still made a significant step forward in its plans to strengthen its Milford Waterfront proposition with construction beginning on the 100 bed, Tŷ Hotel. Operated and managed by The Celtic Collection – the team behind the iconic Celtic Manor Resort – this new addition to Milford Waterfront will form part of The Celtic Collection’s portfolio of Tŷ Hotels. At Pembroke Port, the Pembroke Dock Marine business case was approved and the associated planning application was submitted. The Port is investing £13.5m in the development alongside funding from the Swansea Bay City Deal and the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. With its focus on supporting the growth of a new energy sector, it will complement and widen the Port’s profile as the UK’s largest energy Port. Both developments play key roles in the Port’s aim to strengthen Pembrokeshire’s long-term prosperity and create opportunities throughout the community as part of the post-Covid recovery.

In terms of looking ahead, the Port sees strong potential for additional developments that will continue to support the offshore floating wind industry’s keen interest in the Celtic Sea, as well as supporting developments in hydrogen. Maximising the potential for UK industrial growth from such large-scale developments form a key tenet in the Port’s call for Freeport status in Pembrokeshire and will ensure the strong energy cluster remains for Wales’ west coast.

Commenting on the year Chris Martin, Chair of the Port, said “It is difficult to imagine a more challenging backdrop to trading than in 2020. The spread of the coronavirus global pandemic swept away many norms. I was proud to see the Port designated a key worker operation, and very proud of the way our colleagues dealt with the significant challenges to ensure supplies kept moving during this critical time. I remain deeply impressed by the resilience of the business and the aptitude all our staff have shown in these extraordinary times. Growth and investment will be critical in securing a strong post-Covid recovery and there are exciting opportunities ahead. By working alongside our communities, we can build an exceptional future for Pembrokeshire.”

Chief Executive, Andy Jones, continued: “2020 was the year that tested every aspect of our standing as a Trust Port. The pandemic has had a clear negative impact on our financial results in 2020, however, it is not the only lens through which I would choose to judge our accomplishments in this very unusual year. As a business, we acquitted ourselves well, ensured we had the resources to weather the storm and delivered the services our customers and stakeholders require and expect us to deliver while also bringing a fresh perspective on our collective need for sustainability. Our role enabling a critical link in the UK’s supply chain of energy and goods was demonstrated in abundance. We made good progress with partners to further our exciting plans on both sides of the Waterway.”

The 2020 Annual Report and Accounts can be viewed at Publications & Downloads (mhpa.co.uk)

News

Tenby councillors seek new member to fill vacancy

Published

11 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TENBY TOWN COUNCIL is inviting residents to put their names forward to fill a vacant seat on the council following the resignation of a councillor.

The council will be filling the role by co-option, rather than holding a by-election. This means that eligible individuals can apply directly to be considered, and councillors will then vote to select a new member.

Anyone interested must be over the age of 18 and meet standard criteria such as living or working in the Tenby area.

The vacancy is in the South Ward. The successful candidate will join the remaining members of the council in representing the town on local issues.

Those wishing to be considered should submit a letter or email outlining their interest and suitability for the role by 12:00 noon on Friday, July 5, 2025.

Applications should be sent to the Town Clerk, Andrew Davies, at Tenby Town Council, The De Valence Pavilion, Upper Frog Street, Tenby, SA70 7JD, or by email to [email protected].

The co-option will take place at the full council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, 2025.

Business

Much-loved Narberth restaurant Madtom closes and goes on the market

Published

15 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A POPULAR restaurant in Narberth has closed its doors and is now up for sale.

Madtom Land & Sea, known for its fresh seafood and highly rated dining experience, announced the closure this week, bringing an end to six years of trading in the bustling Pembrokeshire town.

The team behind Madtom shared the news on social media, saying the decision had been made “with a heavy heart” and that it was “time to slow down a little, gather our thoughts and focus on the next chapter.”

The restaurant, which boasts more than 300 Tripadvisor reviews and a near-perfect Facebook recommendation rating, has now been listed for sale. Interested parties are encouraged to get in touch to arrange viewings.

The statement thanked customers and staff, saying: “Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past six years, and to our fantastic team—we couldn’t have done it without you.”

The announcement prompted an outpouring of messages from loyal customers and locals.

Kevin Clarke wrote: “Amongst the best dining experiences in Pembrokeshire. Good luck for the next chapter.”

Sue James-Davies said: “Very sorry you are closing but wish you all the very best for the future. Narberth won’t be the same without you.”

Caroline Husecken added: “So sad that you have closed—you will be so missed by us all in Narberth. You have been a huge asset to the town.”

The business is currently being marketed via private enquiry.

Community

West Wales marchers press on as Egyptian authorities crack down on Gaza protest

Published

16 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

No reports of Pembrokeshire detentions as international participants face violence and deportation

ACTIVISTS from Pembrokeshire taking part in the Global March to Gaza remain on course to reach the Rafah border crossing on Sunday (June 15), despite a sweeping crackdown by Egyptian authorities on demonstrators from across the world.

The Herald understands that no members of the West Wales delegation, including Jim Scott and Tasmin Nash, have been detained, and Scott remained active on social media as recently as Friday morning.

However, disturbing scenes have emerged from Cairo and beyond, where activists from countries including France, Spain, Turkey, Canada, and the UK have had their passports confiscated, been forcibly removed from checkpoints, and in some cases physically assaulted by men in plain clothes. Footage circulating online shows demonstrators being kicked and dragged away, while some tried to defend themselves by throwing water bottles.

According to organisers, at least 40 protesters had their passports seized and were held in the heat without being allowed to move. Others—around 15 activists—are being held in hotels under restriction.

Among those confirmed detained are:

Paul Murphy, Irish MP
Faruk Dincer, Turkish MP (reportedly injured during arrest)
Hala Rharrit, former US diplomat who resigned in protest over Washington’s handling of the war

Murphy posted: “We have had our passports confiscated and are being detained. It seems Egyptian authorities have decided to crack down on the #GreatMarchToGaza. We are refusing to board the deportation bus.”

The Global March to Gaza involves over 4,000 people from 80 countries, including a delegation of West Walians who set off from Al Arish on Friday morning for a 30-mile, three-day trek across the Sinai desert, aiming to reach Rafah on Sunday.

A separate 2,000-strong convoy travelling from Tunisia was also stopped by security forces in eastern Libya on Friday.

Despite the chaos, Jim Scott, a tree surgeon from Mathry, and CND Cymru delegate, has not reported any arrest or obstruction, telling supporters on Thursday night: “I’m OK. Safe for tonight. But an insane day. Completely insane.”

Tasmin Nash, an art curator and mother of four from Pembrokeshire, also remains unconfirmed among any detained. Speaking earlier this week, she said: “I cannot rest. I cannot stay silent. Now is the time to mobilise our passion and humanity. We are united for justice and solidarity for Palestine.”

The crackdown reflects Egypt’s tense balancing act. As the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel and a major recipient of US military aid, Egypt has attempted to publicly call for peace while suppressing grassroots pro-Palestinian actions within its borders.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday that he expected Egypt to “halt demonstrators at the Egypt-Israel border”, adding that their arrival would “endanger the security of IDF soldiers” and would not be tolerated.

Meanwhile, Israel has allowed limited aid into Gaza since last month, but international aid groups and UN agencies warn that the volume is nowhere near sufficient to meet the needs of the population. The humanitarian situation remains catastrophic.

Organisers of the march have called on embassies to intervene to secure the release of detained protesters, stressing: “We are a peaceful movement, and we are complying with Egyptian law.”

The Herald will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the West Wales delegation nears Rafah.