News
UK Invests £1.5 Million in Future of Zero-Emission Shipping
THE UK Government has announced a £1.5 million initiative dedicated to establishing zero-emission shipping routes that link the UK with key European countries. Maritime Minister Lord Davies of Gower, representing this visionary commitment, is in Wales today, specifically visiting the Port of Milford Haven, to highlight the scheme.
The Port of Milford Haven, known for its strategic importance and historical significance in the maritime industry, serves as a fitting backdrop for the launch of the fifth round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC5).
This initiative is focused on fostering feasibility studies that aim to fast-track the development of ‘green corridors’. These corridors will facilitate the use of green fuels and power charging systems by vessels, ensuring cleaner travel for passengers and freight alike. An essential aspect of these studies is the exploration of additional regulatory measures necessary for the maritime industry’s shift towards decarbonisation, aligning with the UK’s net-zero commitments in a manner that does not impose further costs on taxpayers.
This ambitious project envisions the creation of zero-emission shipping routes connecting the UK with the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and Ireland, heralding a new era of eco-friendly and economically beneficial maritime transport.
During his visit to the Port of Milford Haven, Lord Davies highlighted the dual benefits of this investment, stating, “Investing in zero-emission routes to and from the UK not only fosters a greener maritime sector but also lays the foundation for enduring sustainability, job creation, and economic growth.” He underscored the importance of this funding as a pivotal step towards realisƒing the UK’s aspiration of establishing international zero-emission routes by the mid-2020s.
The collaborative spirit of this initiative is further exemplified by the supportive remarks from Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, who lauded the green shipping corridors initiative between the UK and Norway, emphasising the long-standing maritime relationship between the two nations and their cooperative efforts since the Clydebank Declaration in 2021.
This initiative gains momentum from its announcement at the London International Shipping Week in 2023, further advancing the UK’s leading role in the Clydebank Declaration for Green Shipping Corridors, a significant global movement initiated at COP26. This movement aims at cultivating zero-emission shipping routes worldwide, marking a pivotal stride towards sustainable maritime logistics.
Funded as part of the broader £206 million UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, this initiative sees Ireland and the Netherlands offering match funding, while Denmark and Norway contribute through information sharing and collaboration facilitation.
With competitions for international collaborations opening in the spring and summer of 2024, this initiative promises a cleaner, greener maritime future. It has garnered support from across the maritime and innovation sectors, with industry leaders recognising the pivotal role of green corridors in the industry’s decarbonisation efforts.
Lord Davies’s visit to the Port of Milford Haven not only symbolises the UK Government’s dedication to pioneering a sustainable maritime industry but also sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in the realm of zero-emission shipping, promising a more sustainable and economically vibrant maritime future.
Business
First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead
THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port yesterday afternoon, 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 shortly after 4pm on Wednesday, 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, is due to arrive in the early hours of this morning (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 yesterday 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.
Port of Milford Haven shipping movements showed the Peak Bergen approaching the Haven throughout Wednesday morning before finally tying up at the cargo berth in Pembroke Dock. Cranes began unloading operations yesterday evening.
Weather conditions are currently favourable for this morning’s 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 next week, subject to final police and highway approvals.
A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide training opportunities and energy-bill support 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
Crime
Banned for 40 months after driving with cocaine breakdown product in blood
A MILFORD HAVEN woman has been handed a lengthy driving ban after admitting driving with a controlled drug in her system more than ten times over the legal limit.
SENTENCED AT HAVERFORDWEST
Sally Allen, 43, of Wentworth Close, Hubberston, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Dec 4) for sentencing, having pleaded guilty on November 25 to driving with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the prescribed limit.
The court heard that Allen was stopped on August 25 on the Old Hakin Road at Tiers Cross while driving an Audi A3. Blood analysis showed 509µg/l of Benzoylecgonine, a breakdown product of cocaine. The legal limit is 50µg/l.
COMMUNITY ORDER AND REHABILITATION
Magistrates imposed a 40-month driving ban, backdated to her interim disqualification which began on November 25.
Allen was also handed a 12-month community order, requiring her to complete 10 days of rehabilitation activities as directed by the Probation Service.
She was fined £120, ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge. Her financial penalties will be paid in £25 monthly instalments from January 1, 2026.
The bench—Mrs H Roberts, Mr M Shankland and Mrs J Morris—said her guilty plea had been taken into account when passing sentence.
Local Government
Sewage leak at Pembroke Commons prompts urgent clean-up works
Council pollution officers say they have no enforcement powers over Welsh Water infrastructure
SEWAGE contamination on the Commons in Pembroke has prompted an urgent response from pollution officers, after a leak was reported by a member of the public on Tuesday.
Pembrokeshire County Council’s Pollution Control Team confirmed they were alerted yesterday afternoon to sewage surrounding a manhole cover on the site. The Herald understands that officers immediately notified Welsh Water (DCWW) network technicians to investigate the incident “as a matter of urgency”.
County councillor Jonathan Grimes, who represents Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, said the authority had been clear that it holds no enforcement powers over Welsh Water assets.
“Whilst we work constructively with Welsh Water, we have no authority to intervene on their apparatus or to carry out enforcement action against them for such pollution incidents,” the Pollution Control Team said in a statement shared with the councillor.
Urgent works underway
Council officers visited the site on Wednesday morning alongside contractors and Welsh Water technicians to assess clean-up options. According to the team, works will include cleaning the contaminated ground in and around the manhole cover and fencing off the affected area “until safe”.
Cllr Grimes said officers would return to the scene on Thursday to check on progress and ensure the area is properly secured.
Residents who notice any further issues have been urged to contact the Pollution Control Team directly.
Further updates are expected later this week.
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