News

Port CEO promises to invest millions in new pilot boats and more pilots

Published

3 years ago

December 5, 2022

THE PORT of Milford Haven’s new Chief Executive has been in post for only eight months, but already the new boss is promising major changes.
Tom Sawyer took up his post at the end of April.
In an exclusive interview with The Pembrokeshire Herald, the CEO of Wales’ biggest port says that there will be some major changes
Most significantly, there will be a huge investment – “in the millions” – in “on water capability” at the port – meaning new pilot boats and a dramatic increase in pilot numbers.

It’s seemingly a huge turn in fortunes for the port.

As recently as August 2014, the port cut the number of pilot boats on duty to a single crewed vessel – There were talks of pilots striking.
At the time, The Herald was contacted by several crew who have said that they have been offered voluntary redundancy ‘to go’.
The Port had said it was looking to cut costs as the amount of cargo coming into Milford Haven has been decreasing following the closure of Murco refinery.

Currently, issues surrounding energy security in the UK and Europe driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have led to an uplift of 30% in the number of ships berthing in Milford Haven.
Tom Sawyer said on Monday (Dec 5): “We are making a major investment in “on water capability” at the UK’s western energy gateway.
“In a major investment, we will be purchasing at least two new pilot boats and upping pilot numbers.
“It’s a medium-term plan which should be implemented by late 2024,” Mr Sawyer explained.

The promise of new pilot boats will be welcome news for both operators and pilots.
In 2018 a multi-million-pound project to replace the older pilot vessels ran into trouble – after the three boats were deemed ‘unfit for purpose’ by some crew members.

“These boats were rushed out, and were not fit for service”, a source at the Port told this newspaper.

The then brand-new vessels, which were built in Pembrokeshire by Mainstay Marine Solutions at a cost £3.6m, were involved in incidents which led to questions over the operational safety of the craft.
Tom Sawyer says that he is investing in people, safety and resilience and reliability at the port.
He said: “We are putting people into difficult situations. Marine transport involves controlled collisions. We are dealing with hydro-carbon ships kissing pilot boats and jetties.
“We want new pilot boats and an increase in pilot numbers to boost the confidence our teams have. We are investing in resilience and reliability.
“We need to be capable – having well trained pilots, the right boats and equipment.

Asked to confirm how many new vessels the Port of Milford Haven would be commissioning, Mr Sawyer said: “If we were not purchasing two new boats I’d be surprised.
“Better boats are now available, and we want to go out there and get them.
“Some weather conditions mean we can’t get ships in – we can at least make sure we have the best ability to recover.”

In a move which is surely to be welcomed, Mr Sawyer said that crews would have a say in the specifications of the new vessels.

Investment to increase capacity: South Hook LNG

The port boss suggested that some of the older pilot boats may be used as “inside vessels” – as patrol launches for use inside the haven.
There is no doubt that LNG has revived the fortunes of the port.
South Hook LNG will soon receive its 1000th tanker – a milestone the port says it’s proud of.
Another accolade is that the port has never turned away or diverted an LNG ship – every single one has berthed successfully, without exception.

And now, the Government of Qatar is investing millions of pounds in the expansion of the South Hook LNG terminal as the UK becomes more dependent on shipments of the liquefied fuel imported from abroad.
To accommodate around 25% more liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from around the world, Qatar is upgrading to meet demand – increasing the Terminal’s redelivery capacity to 812.5GWh/d.”

All of this extra activity will benefit the local area. As well as new boats, and the creation of new jobs in the way of pilots and probably support crews, extra revenue will be shared out in the local area for community projects and charities.
Staff at the Port of Milford Haven will also benefit from the Haven’s revival in fortunes. The new CEO has promised that he will share the results of all this new activity.

Citing the dangers of pilots climbing onto tankers in rough weather using ladders – Mr Sawyer promises an increase in sea survival and safety training.
“People should be safe and be able to make good decisions” he said.
Expressing how he intends to motivate the personnel he manages, he said: “If we have a good year, he said we will share this with our people and the wider community”
He said that this would incentivise the workforce at the port to safely deliver efficiencies and improve results.

The new pilots and boats are expected to be operational by late 2024, according to Mr Sawyer.

Business

Rail investment ‘could unlock 40,000 jobs and £11bn for Wales’ says new report

Published

4 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RAILWAY stations across Wales could help unlock around 40,000 jobs and more than £11 billion for the economy by 2036, according to new research.

A report by Development Economics, published on Monday (Mar 23), highlights how rail infrastructure is acting as a major driver of growth, supporting housing, business development, and employment across the country.

The findings suggest that development within 800 metres of railway stations alone could generate more than 40,000 jobs and contribute £11.3 billion to the Welsh economy over the next decade.

Stations driving growth

The report identifies what it calls the “rail catalyst effect”, where stations attract investment and act as hubs for regeneration.

Recent examples across Wales and the South West show the impact of rail-linked development. Over the past five years, areas around nine stations, including Carmarthen, have delivered 3,500 new homes, 67,000 square metres of commercial space, and supported 4,500 jobs.

Proposed new stations, including Cardiff Parkway and Newport West, are expected to create around 900 permanent jobs and generate £64 million annually over the next ten years.

Economic case for investment

The report comes as Wales continues to face economic challenges, with inactivity rates standing at 25.6%, higher than the UK average of 21.6%.

Researchers say continued investment in rail infrastructure will be key to boosting regional economies and improving access to jobs and opportunities.

Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of Great Western Railway, said: “The findings of this report are clear. The railway, its stations, and the trains that serve them are powerful drivers of economic growth, community prosperity and regeneration.

“Across our network, development around the railway is delivering thousands of homes, new commercial space and thousands of jobs, generating hundreds of millions of pounds in economic value for the communities we serve.”

National impact

Across the wider Great Western Railway network, stations are projected to support 238,000 jobs and generate £14.25 billion in annual economic value by 2036.

Nationally, the report suggests railway stations could support more than one million permanent jobs and contribute £78.7 billion to local and regional economies.

Wider benefits

The report also highlights the social impact of rail, particularly for households without access to a car, estimated at around one in five in Wales.

With more than 1.6 billion passenger journeys made each year across the UK rail network, the study says improved connectivity is helping people access work, education, and services more easily.

News

Welsh Conservatives table Senedd debate on ‘fixing Wales’

Published

13 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have tabled a Senedd debate this week setting out what they describe as a plan to “fix Wales” after nearly three decades of Labour-led government.

The party claims that, after twenty-seven years of Labour in power — supported at times by Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats — Wales is falling behind the rest of the UK on key measures including health, education and the economy.

Figures highlighted by the Conservatives include one in four people currently on NHS waiting lists, with thousands waiting more than two years for treatment. Emergency departments in Wales are also said to be among the worst performing in Britain.

In education, Wales continues to rank at or near the bottom of UK league tables, with rising absenteeism and ongoing concerns over teacher recruitment and morale.

Economically, the party says Wales has some of the lowest wages in Great Britain and faces ongoing challenges in boosting productivity and employment.

Ahead of the debate, the Conservatives outlined a series of policy proposals, including:

Cutting income tax by 1p to stimulate growth
Declaring a health emergency to tackle NHS backlogs and increase bed capacity
Scrapping stamp duty on primary homes
Removing business rates for pubs, post offices and small firms
Expanding free childcare, including allowing payments to grandparents
Providing a £100 million boost for farmers and replacing the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme
Investing in infrastructure, including the M4 relief road and upgrades to the A55 and A40
Reversing default 20mph speed limits
Reducing bureaucracy and focusing on frontline delivery

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar MS said the current system “isn’t working” and argued his party has a “credible and costed plan” to improve public services and economic performance.

He said: “We will cut taxes, boost growth, and fix our public services.

“We want to see a Wales that thrives, with a stronger economy, a properly functioning NHS, and opportunities for people in every corner of the country.”

The debate is scheduled to take place in the Senedd on Wednesday evening.

Local Government

Milford Haven set for £200m investment with schools, leisure centre and rail upgrade

Published

36 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Council outlines major plans for town with backing from Welsh Government

MILFORD HAVEN is set for a major transformation with nearly £200 million of public investment planned, including a new school, leisure centre and upgraded railway station, The Herald can reveal.

***Huge announcements: Cllr Paul Miller***

In an interview with this newspaper, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Paul Miller, said the town’s long-awaited regeneration was now firmly underway, with some projects already moving into delivery after years of planning.

The announcement represents one of the largest single waves of public investment ever proposed for Milford Haven.

New £140m school by 2030

The centrepiece of the investment is a £140 million co-located primary and secondary school, which is expected to open by 2030.

The Labour Group leader said the project had now passed a key Welsh Government approval stage, allowing it to move into the delivery phase.

He said: “This is not a ‘might happen’ — this is happening. We can now say with confidence that we’re going to open a new primary and secondary school in Milford Haven in 2030.”

The development will bring together English-medium primary and secondary education on a single site. While initially operating as two separate schools, the model could evolve into an all-through school for pupils aged three to sixteen.

The funding will largely come through Welsh Government’s school investment programme, with Pembrokeshire County Council contributing around 30 percent of the total cost.

The project is expected to modernise education provision in the town and replace ageing facilities.

***Ambitious plans: Cllr Paul Miller now says that the new Primary and Secondary schools in Milford Haven will be accompanied by a leisure centre development to replace The Meads Sports Centre***

Leisure centre plan takes shape

Alongside the school, the council has approved plans for a new leisure centre to replace the ageing Meads facility.

While still at an earlier stage, the project is expected to cost more than £50 million and will include a new swimming pool, upgraded gym facilities, and modern leisure provision for families.

Cllr Miller said: “The Meads has served its purpose, but it’s looking tired and reaching the end of its useful life. This will be a fantastic new facility for the town.”

The council is expected to fund the project directly, with leisure centres generating income through public use.

However, no firm construction start date or completion timeline has yet been confirmed, with feasibility work still ongoing.

***There are plans for a new leisure centre in Milford Haven (Pic: File)***

Station upgrade to begin next month

A £16 million upgrade of Milford Haven railway station is set to begin next month, with completion expected by 2027.

The scheme will see significant improvements, including better links to Havens Head Retail Park, expanded parking, improved bus interchange, and platform extensions to accommodate longer intercity trains.

The work is also expected to enhance accessibility and modernise the station environment.

Cllr Miller said: “Starting on site next month is fantastic news for Milford Haven.”

***Work will start on the new train station in Milford Haven in April 2026 (Pic: TfW)***

Push to restore London rail link

Cllr Miller confirmed that efforts are ongoing to restore direct rail services between Milford Haven and London Paddington.

He said discussions are taking place with Welsh Government, including First Minister Eluned Morgan, as well as Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell.

Direct services last operated in the late 1990s, when InterCity 125 trains connected west Wales to London.

Cllr Miller said he was “hopeful and optimistic” that a deal could be reached, but stopped short of confirming a timeline.

***New trains to Paddington: There have been no direct services between Milford Haven and London since the late 1990’s***

Major retailer in talks for Wilko site

The council is also in advanced discussions with a major national retailer to take over the former Wilko building in Haverfordwest, one of the town’s most prominent vacant retail units.

Cllr Miller said a deal could be agreed within “weeks — maybe even days”.

He confirmed the council is investing in essential structural repairs, including roofing works, to prepare the building for occupation.

A new tenant would then carry out a multi-million pound fit-out before opening.

While the retailer has not been named, speculation locally has centred on Primark — something not confirmed, but also not denied during the interview.

The move is expected to provide a significant boost to footfall in Haverfordwest town centre, which has faced challenges in recent years following a number of retail closures.

***‘Anchor store’: There are talks of a major retailer renting the former Wilko building in Haverfordwest very soon***

‘Milford Haven’s turn’

Cllr Miller rejected suggestions the announcements were timed to coincide with upcoming elections.

He said: “These are not things we dreamed up yesterday as part of an election campaign. These are things we’ve been working on for years.”

He added: “It is Milford Haven’s turn. It is not forgotten — we are determined to invest in its future.”

The comments reflect a long-standing perception among some residents that Milford Haven has been overlooked compared to other parts of Pembrokeshire.

Questions remain

While firm commitments have been made on the school and railway station, other elements — including the leisure centre’s final cost and the return of direct London rail services — remain subject to further agreement.

With construction on the station due to begin within weeks and a major retail deal potentially days away, Milford Haven could be on the brink of significant change.

However, residents are likely to watch closely to see how quickly these ambitious plans move from announcement to delivery.