Business

Record-breaking year for shipping for Port of Milford Haven

Published

3 years ago

May 10, 2023

AN UPTURN in shipping, coupled with a commitment to deliver excellent customer services resulted in strong financial results for the Port of Milford Haven during 2022 and a positive trading environment for the businesses and organisations around the Milford Haven Waterway, the Port has said.

Turnover increased by 59% from £24.8m in 2021 to £39.4m, with profitability rising to £3.3m compared to £1.5m the previous year. It was a record-breaking period for shipping with cargo entering the Port increasing by 28% to 38.9m tonnes . The exceptionally busy year was largely down to a surge in dues paying ships to the terminals on the Haven. The entire Port team played their individual parts in delivering this collective response to our customers’ demands, all the time maintaining safe and efficient services while supporting clients to meet their business demands.

Investment activity across the Port’s estate continued throughout 2022, with work on the £60 million Pembroke Dock Marine project progressing well to better support current customers, but also to create the capabilities for the next generation of our customers operating in the floating offshore wind, hydrogen and sustainable fuels sectors. Pembroke Port experienced a busy summer period thanks to major projects at the South Hook LNG terminal and the Valero Pembroke Refinery. The Port’s real estate investment portfolio performed well with retail and hospitality tenants at Havens Head Retail Park and Milford Waterfront reporting good recovery from the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic over the past couple of years.

Hospitality and tourism operations were particularly pleasing, especially with the opening of the 100 bedroom Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront in April 2022, adding to the existing waterside accommodation offering. The Port’s partners, The Celtic Collection, have experienced a successful first year of trading and have built excellent relationships with their commercial neighbours and with the local community.

One of the most significant collaborations over the past twelve months has been the Celtic Freeport bid, a result of partnership working between the Port of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire County Council, Neath Port Talbot Council, and Associated British Ports at Port Talbot. The announcement that the Celtic Freeport bid was successful in March this year is testament to the collective hard work and commitment of the partners. Work is now underway to submit a final business case to both Governments later this year.

The Port’s commitment to excellence runs further than delivering for its customers however, and much work is undertaken throughout each year to generate opportunities and benefits for the local community. As the cost-of-living crisis took hold throughout 2022, donations were made to charities working to help alleviate the financial pressures for families and individuals, and within the business a cost of living payment was made to our 200-strong team.

Chief Executive, Tom Sawyer, told The Pembrokeshire Herald on Wednesday: “2022 was a great year for the Port which meant we were able to continue with our investment strategy across our estate but also enable our customers and tenants to benefit from the additional commercial activity. I’m pleased to report that we had no Lost Time Incidents and carried out several exercises throughout the year to ensure our response to pollution, safety and security incidents are tested and refined.”

He added “There were many examples of how collaboration resulted in success for us and our stakeholders, the standout being the success of the Celtic Freeport bid. The opportunity this presents for the region is very exciting and I am particularly proud of how the team at the Port has made the case for a freeport in an area blessed with the natural resources needed to reach Net-Zero.”

The Pembroke Dock Marine development is part of the Swansea Bay City Deal which is funded by the UK Government, Welsh Government and through the public and private sectors. It is also part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

The 2022 Annual Report and Accounts can be viewed online: www.mhpa.co.uk/download

Business

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

Published

8 minutes ago

December 5, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for a Pembrokeshire dairy farm to keep two “alternative” holiday pods sited without permission as a way of diversifying in an uncertain industry has been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Vaynor Farm Ltd sought retrospective permission for the siting of two self-catering holiday accommodation pods at The Cart House, Vaynor Farm, Bethesda, near Narberth as part of a farm diversification enterprise.

It was before committee members as it was recommended for delegated conditional approval by senior officers despite being against the development plan.

Previous retrospective schemes, for two self-catering pods along with an application to retain a shepherd hut accommodation pod at another farm, a part of the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise, were refused in 2023 and 2025, the latter due to “an unjustified and harmful impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside”.

Detailing the current application, an officer report for members said the pods: Vaynor Farm Pod within the garden of The Cart House, and The Paddock Pod, on the edge of a small paddock, were constructed off-site and have been transported to their current locations, with external decking, hot tubs, a barbecue area and car parking provided for each pod.

It added: “A business plan has been submitted with the application, which explains that due to uncertainties associated with dairy farming, the applicant has sought to diversify the farm enterprise to incorporate tourism accommodation.

“The application makes the case that the proposed development represents farm diversification. It is acknowledged that the development has resulted in the provision of an alternative type of holiday accommodation for which it has been demonstrated there is a demand, contributing to the diversity and quality of accommodation available within the county and supporting an existing farm business, with consequent economic and social benefits.

“Evidence has been provided that demonstrates the extent to which the pods have provided income which has been used to support the farm business.

“However, officers consider that should planning permission be granted, a [planning obligation] will be necessary to ensure that the accommodation pods continue to support the farm business and are not separated from it at some future point in time.”

Delegated conditional approval limiting the use and occupation of the self-catering accommodation pods to short term holiday use only was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

11 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

15 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):