Business
LNG ships diverted to Milford Haven as energy firms cash in on record high prices
LNG TANKERS, some of which were originally destined for Asia, are changing course mid-voyage to supply UK consumers, as gas prices here surge to new peaks.
Many thousands of households have seen energy prices rise after their supplier went bust.
Millions are set for a huge increase in prices in April when a new cap comes into force. In all 29 supplies have folded affecting four million consumers. About 15 million households saw their energy bills rise by 12% in October, because the energy price cap has risen. This sets the maximum price suppliers can charge domestic customers on a standard tariffs.
The UK is hit relatively hard hit because it is one of Europe’s biggest users of natural gas – 85% of homes use gas central heating, and it also generates a third of the country’s electricity. Storage capacity in the UK is lower than in some other European countries.
There has been a worldwide squeeze on gas and energy supplies. As a result, wholesale energy prices rose sharply and, in recent weeks, have hit their highest levels of 2021. Reasons include a cold winter in Europe last year put pressure on supplies and, as a result, stored gas supplies were low; A relatively windless summer meant it was difficult to replenish those supplies; and there’s been increased demand from Asia – especially China – for liquefied natural gas.
Because of this for much of the year buyers in China, Japan and South Korea have outbid Europeans for shipments of the super chilled fuel, used in power stations to generate electricity.
However, because storage is now full across the region, uncommitted cargoes from the Atlantic basin that were heading for Asia are being turned round by their owners and sent to gas terminals in Europe, incluiding Milford Haven so they can profit on soaring prices and demand.
Over the next few days five giant liquefied natural gas carrying ships will berth in Pembrokeshire.
The Artic Voyager, from Cove Point LNG, Maryland USA expected to arrive on December 30, heading for South Hook LNG. The Pearl LNG is expected on New Year’s Day at Dragon LNG – it comes from Sabine Pass LNG Terminal in Louisiana USA. Also on New Year’s Day the Bonito LNG is expected to arrive at Dragon, from the same American terminal. On January 4, the Aristidis I will arrive from Freeport LNG Terminal in Texas USA.
This week, European gas prices leapt 23% to a record £153 per megawatt hour as Russian gas flows on a key pipeline stopped.
“Europe’s gas market has now broken clear,” said Ciaran Roe, global director of LNG at Platts. Speaking to the Financial Times he said: “Every major destination market for LNG cargoes is below the major European gas hubs.”
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)
Business
52 homes to be built in Roch as scheme gets final sign-off
THE FINAL stage of approval for a near-£10m Pembrokeshire residential development of 52 homes has been given the go-ahead.
Back in April, members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee backed an application by Wakefield Pembrokeshire Ltd for the development, which includes four one-bed affordable housing units, on land near Pilgrims Way, Roch.
18 objections to the scheme were received, raising concerns including an “inadequate” affordable housing level, it being a high density development for a rural area, a loss of green space, the size of some of the homes, and pressures on existing services and facilities, and fears it may lead to an increase in second homes.
Nolton & Roch Community Land Trust (N&RCLT) has raised its concerns about a lack of affordable homes at the development, calling for a 20 per cent affordable homes element, as recommended by policy.
An officer report for members, recommending conditional approval, said: “It is apparent that the proposed development is not fully policy compliant, insofar as it cannot deliver the indicative 20 per cent affordable housing sought [by policy].
“However, a substantial positive social impact will arise through the provision of housing, including four one-bed affordable housing units, in meeting identified needs for both market and affordable housing.
“Financial obligations identified to mitigate adverse impacts arising from the proposed development cannot be met in full. However, [policy] acknowledges that in such circumstances contributions may be prioritised on the basis of the individual circumstances of each case.”
Speaking at the meeting, agent Gethin Beynon said the project had a “significant economic value” of around £10m, and the local applicant had “a sense of stewardship to the local community,” offering affordable housing and community infrastructure towards highways and education.
Approval was delegated to the council’s head of planning to approve the application, subject to the completion of a Section 106 planning obligation, making community financial contributions.
The Section 106 agreement was recently agreed, with the application now formally approved.
Business
World of engineering and welding SPARCs interest in Ysgol Harri Tudur’s female learners
AN EVENT hosted by Ledwood Engineering gave girls from Year 8 and 9 at Ysgol Harri Tudur first-hand experience of the world of engineering recently.
Engineering is a booming sector in Pembrokeshire with a high demand for skilled workers in exciting career pathways associated with the development of low carbon and renewable energy industry and the Celtic Freeport.
The young women heard from industry experts on the importance of engineering in Pembrokeshire, and had hands on experience using a welding simulator, at the company’s Pembroke Dock site.
The learners are part of the County’s SPARC (Sustainable Power and Renewable Construction) initiative aimed as inspiring and empowering young females to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) pathways where females are under-represented in the workforce.
SPARC is funded through an alliance comprising Blue Gem Wind, Ledwood Engineering, Port of Milford Haven, RWE Renewables, Pembrokeshire County Council, Pembrokeshire College and the Swansea Bay City Deal.
Mrs Laura Buckingham, SPARC practitioner at Ysgol Harri Tudur said: “Our learners had a fantastic experience at Ledwood Engineering. They were given lots of advice by industry experts on the different career options and pathways within the engineering sector.
“They appreciated the opportunity to ask their questions and found the session very informative. Having the chance to trial their welding skills on the simulator was an experience they continue to talk about and has definitely piqued their interest.”
Poppy Sawyer, Year 8 SPARC learner added: ‘It was a really good trip. Talking to the different people there has helped me know more about the jobs we could get which will be very useful when making choices for my future.”
“They helped us a lot by giving us lots of information. We were able to look around and try welding. It was really fun,” added Tianna Marshall, Year 8 SPARC learner.
The Regional Learning and Skills Partnership also launched its Explore Engineering interactive website at the event.
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