News

Qatari crisis: LNG tankers ‘still heading for Milford Haven’

Published

7 years ago

June 17, 2017

The Zarga

REPORTS in the national press that the Qatari crisis had cost Milford Haven two big gas deliveries this month may not be correct, according to the latest voyage data from marine traffic websites.

A report in the Daily Telegraph on June 12, which was also picked up by other news outlets, said that the sudden turning of tankers Zarga and Al Mafyar caused wholesale gas prices to surge.

The paper had also reported that gas traders were caught off guard earlier this month, when the pair of Qatari vessels, both headed for Pembrokeshire, ‘abruptly veered off course in the days after a travel ban was imposed on the UK’s biggest liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplier by neighbouring Gulf states.”

The paper reported that The Zarga LNG carrier, which was heading to Wales via the Suez Canal to deliver gas to South Hook LNG, ‘suddenly changed course towards Asia’. The Telegraph also reported that The Al Mafyar also changed route – again unexpectedly.

Whist there was a spike in the gas price, it seems that both tankers are still heading to Milford Haven, but via the Cape of Good Hope, rather than the Suez Canal. Whilst the ships will be delayed, they will still arrive, according to marinetraffic.com, and other sites.

The exact reasons for the rerouting of the vessels is unclear. The Herald has contacted South Hook LNG, who have as yet declined to comment.

On May 2, 2015, a deck officer was struck in the head by a mooring rope during a berthing operation at the LNG terminal with the tanker Zarga, from Qatar.
The report has been published by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB). It concludes that the mooring lines were inadequate for the job.
A summary of the report reads: “The area where the officer was standing was clearly within the snap back zone of the rope but had previously been designated as a safe area.
“The perception on board was that HMPE ropes did not recoil on failure, and the elasticity introduced by the rope’s tail had not been properly assessed.
“The vessel’s mooring lines were not fit for purpose, they did not have the minimum breaking strength specified at build. they were not compatible with the vessels mooring deck fittings and the required working load limit was too high.
The report does however praise the response to the accident, which likely saved the man life.
It states: “Once the accident had happened, the response of the crew and the terminal staff was immediate; the emergency services were alerted, and medical first-aid was provided swiftly. The injuries suffered by the OiC were life threatening, but because of the efforts of his crewmates, the emergency service paramedics and hospital surgeons, he survived.”

News

Tigers second division Cup Champions

Published

8 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Herald Sport

In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.

The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.

The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.

As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.

But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.

With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.

The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.

Crime

Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop

Published

12 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.

A window was smashed and the door handle broken.

Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”

News

Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2

Published

12 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Luke Sinclair

THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.

Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.

They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.

A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.

This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.

If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.