News

Port pleased with financial results, despite loss

Published

6 years ago

May 2, 2019

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has published its Annual Report for 2018 highlighting a steady year’s trading. Lower earnings from cargo on the Waterway, offset by diversified earnings on land have kept the Port of Milford Haven in good shape.

In its 60th year since its creation by an Act of Parliament in 1958, turnover dropped from £22.4m to £22.1m, and the business recorded a slight loss after tax of £1m, primarily due to exceptional property revaluations and pension service costs. However, the business generated significant cash flow, retained robust reserves and continued at a measured pace with its landside diversification plans, particularly in the creation of a vibrant visitor destination at Milford Waterfront. The Port’s strategy to develop long term and sustainable income streams also saw it progress with plans to make Pembroke Port a leading centre for marine renewable energy and engineering businesses.

In his introduction to the Annual Report, the Port’s Chair, Chris Martin stated that the 60th Anniversary brought opportunity to reflect on a decade of significant change on the Waterway, which, with the arrival of LNG and continued investment by Valero in its refining and handling capabilities, has reaffirmed the Port’s status as part of the UK’s critical infrastructure.

“Following a decade of investment, combined with our own focus on creating facilities that are attractive to the emergent marine energy industries, the Milford Haven Waterway remains a powerful economic hub. As the next decade beckons, we are not standing still and will invest to deliver long-term stable growth,” wrote Chris.

Interim CEO Andy Jones stated that this business stability, allowing the Port to invest in infrastructure, comes at a time when the nation is recognising how vital ports are to the UK economy.

“95% of the UK trade is transported by sea. Yet it’s done with such efficiency that it has taken Brexit for the port sector’s fundamental value to be recognised,” wrote Andy. “We need continued investment in port infrastructure to make the most of trade opportunities. We also see a strong case for port environments to expand and act as catalyst locations for the growth of key UK industries,” he continued.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

14 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

21 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

22 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.