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Murco refinery deal saves 400 jobs

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crabb

MURPHY OIL has agreed to sell its Milford Haven refinery in Wales to oil entrepreneur Gary Klesch, who vowed to maintain operations at the struggling plant.

The sale, which follows several failed attempts to sell the 135,000 barrels per day refinery over the past two years, will see Arkansas-based Murphy Oil exit most of its British operations.

The price of the deal was not disclosed.

“We look forward to using our considerable industry expertise to return the site to profitable growth,” a Klesch Group spokesman told The Herald.

“By taking a long-term investment view we aim to secure the future of this refinery for its employees and the broader community.”

Bryan Kelly of Murphy Oil Corporation said: “Murphy Oil is pleased to announce that a deal has been agreed for the sale of the Milford Haven Refinery. We have worked tirelessly to find a workable solution that would see the refinery remain open, and are delighted that a positive outcome has been reached. The company is extremely grateful for the patience and professionalism of Murco employees, without whom a deal would not have been possible.”

Murphy halted production at the ailing plant in May after failing to strike a deal with London-based private equity fund Grey Bull. The Klesch Group is a global industrial commodities business, with three divisions specialising in the production and trading of chemicals, metals and oil.

Stephen Crabb MP said on twitter: “Excellent news for Murco refinery employees as sale moves forward. It’s so important to maintain UK oil refining.”

Stephen Crabb later told The Herald: “I am delighted that Klesch Group have today formally agreed to purchase the Murco oil refinery in Milford Haven, following an agreement in principle reached last month. Gary Klesch has a strong track record of reviving businesses in loss making industries and I was pleased to be able to bring him into the negotiations seven months ago. There is still more work to be done but today’s announcement is very encouraging news for the refinery staff and their families.”

Pembrokeshire County Council has welcomed the announcement: “This is good news for Pembrokeshire, Wales and indeed the whole of the United Kingdom” said the Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Councillor David Pugh.

He went on: “The refinery is a key component of the UK energy supply system and its retention supports and strengthens the role of the Milford Haven waterway as a global energy centre – a position recognised in terms of its Enterprise Zone status.

“The refinery supports hundreds of quality jobs in the local and regional economy, both directly and indirectly.

“Safeguarding this skill-set – and the local supply chain – has been an important focus of the Task and Finish Group which the County Council has contributed to.

“We look forward to working with the Klesch Group and take this opportunity to congratulate all partners involved in bringing these negotiations to a successful conclusion.”

The refinery has been a major employer since it opened in 1973.

According to Murco, the deal is still pending regulatory approval and subject to other material conditions.
“This transaction is scheduled to close no later than October 31, 2014”, a spokesman told The Herald.
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Climate

Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum project endorsed as UN Ocean Decade Activity

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Climate adaptation toolkit joins global sustainability programme

PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL FORUM (PCF) has announced that its Climate Adaptation Toolkit for Coastal Communities has been officially endorsed as a United Nations Ocean Decade Activity, recognising the project’s contribution to international efforts to build a more sustainable relationship with the world’s oceans.

The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), coordinated by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, brings together organisations across the globe to generate and share knowledge that can support resilient and sustainable coastal futures. Endorsed activities contribute to one or more of the Decade’s ten scientific and societal challenges.

PCF’s Climate Adaptation Toolkit is designed to help coastal communities prepare for the realities of climate change. The project provides accessible information, guidance and learning materials for local authorities, educators and community groups as they plan for coastal erosion, flooding, sea-level rise and other long-term environmental pressures.

Running from December 2025 to March 2026, the project will use online learning resources, case studies and engagement sessions to increase understanding of how climate change is already affecting the coastline, and what practical steps communities can take to adapt.

Jetske Germing, Managing Director of Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, said: “We’re honoured that the Climate Adaptation Toolkit has been recognised as part of the United Nations Ocean Decade. This endorsement highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in tackling coastal challenges, and reflects our ongoing commitment to building resilient, sustainable coastal communities.”

The endorsement places the toolkit within an international network of projects working towards the UN Decade’s vision of “the science we need for the ocean we want”.

PCF’s involvement adds to Wales’ growing profile in the field of coastal sustainability. The organisation’s wider programme of work includes Marine Renewable Energy, Sustainable Recreation, Education and Skills, Water Quality, and Land Use — all centred on its vision of a sustainable coast and ocean for future generations.

Further information about the UN Ocean Decade can be found on the initiative’s website.

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Crime

Youth given conditional discharge for smashing pub windows

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A TEENAGER has been handed a conditional discharge after admitting damaging windows at a Pembroke pub last year.

A 17-year-old boy from Pembroke Dock, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 13).

The court heard that on April 10, 2024, he damaged several windows at a premises owned by Marston’s PLC, causing £1,002 worth of damage.

He received a six-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £500 compensation. Magistrates made no order for costs, noting that compensation should take priority.

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Crime

Milford Haven man fined for failing to attend drugs assessment

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A MILFORD HAVEN man has been fined after admitting failing to attend an initial assessment following a positive Class A drug test.

Mark Brummitt, 45, of Robert Street, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 13).

The offence took place on September 4 at Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Services in Haverfordwest, where Brummitt failed to attend the required appointment.

He pleaded guilty and was fined £80, with £85 prosecution costs. Magistrates took the guilty plea into account.

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