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Tanker with Russian oil bound for US makes U-turn to dock in Milford Haven

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A TANKER heading to the US carrying an estimated 400,000 barrels of Russian crude oil reversed its course earlier this month, and docked in Milford Haven on Sunday, it has been confirmed.

Ariel left Primorsk in Russia on January 29 to head across the Atlantic, before turning back towards the UK on February 14, according to data from websites Marine Traffic and TankerTrackers.com.

Its arrival came as the UK government was undecided allow Russian ships to land their cargo on British shores, The Independent reported today.

A US official told saud they believed the decision may have been informed by concerns over impending sanctions on Russia, even as early as mid-February.

Valero, which has its global headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, and owner of the Pembroke Oil Refinery, did not respond to a request for comment ahead of publication to the national paper. Further requests for comment by The Pembrokeshire Herald to the refinery were also met with no comment, and this paper was referred to Valero’s corporate team, who are yet to respond.

The Ariel finally arrived in Milford Haven on Sunday after switching course mid-Atlantic (Image MT.COM)

According to The Independent, Ariel spent several days just off the UK’s coast before docking at the terminal and it is carrying an estimated 400,000 barrels of crude oil. This could be worth around $39 million (£29m) based on the Brent crude oil-price benchmark currently at around $98 per barrel.

The tanker is now docked at the Valero, the Port Authority website confirms.

The report in The Indepedent came following an announcement by the government that they are to restrict the movement of Russian vessels in UK waters.

A row erupted on Facebook when it became public knowledge that an oil tanker was headed from Primorsk, via the Baltic Sea. The next vessel, The Louie, currently sailing under the flag of Marshall Islands, is due to arrive as soon as March 4.

The Pembokeshire Herald published an article online, which has been commented on by hundreds of people against The Louie entering Milford Haven port.

Milford Haven Port Authority said it is awaiting direction from the UK Government regards ships from Russia heading for Milford Haven.

On his Twitter feed, The Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps MP, posted “Today I’ve written to all UK ports asking them not to provide access to any Russian flagged, registered, owned, controlled, chartered or operated vessels. Given Putin’s action in #Ukraine I’ve made clear these vessels are NOT welcome here with prohibiting legislation to follow.”

Is is currently unclear if the new direction will mean that The Louie would need to turn around. That would depend if the ship was chartered or controlled by any person connected with Russia.

The government said that it would “seek to support UK ports identyifying Russian ships within the scope of the above, and will communicate directly with the relevant ports when we identify ships bound for UK ports who fall within scope [of the new rules].”

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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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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