Business

New lease signed to keep marine services at Pembroke Port for next 15 years

Published

4 years ago

February 16, 2022

WILLIAMS SHIPPING have signed a new lease with the Port of Milford Haven which will keep them operating and providing marine services from Pembroke Port for the next 15 years, continuing the company’s commitment to long-term investment in the area.

The marine and logistics company provides a wide range of key services to the marine industry and is a recognised supplier to the Port of Milford Haven at the heart of the UK’s energy supply and development industry.

“We have had a marine operation in Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven since 2004,” says Philip Williams, Managing Director. “We provide many different services to the port which are contributing to the economic growth of the region.”

Williams Shipping provides the port with services and solutions including stores deliveries to ships at the oil and gas terminals, crew transfers, navigation mark servicing, oil pollution prevention services, offshore renewable energy support, marine civil engineering support including providing crane barges, towage services and supplying containers through their subsidiary Willbox.

Williams Shipping is committed to continued investment in Pembroke Port, supporting local industries, recruiting skilled staff and apprentices from the region, and contributing to the marine economy. The signing of the lease confirms Williams Shipping’s long-term commitment to the port and allows them to invest further into the infrastructure and the vessels that they will operate from there.

“We have mobilised a 22m multicat, “Willendeavour”, to Pembroke Port where it will now be based alongside our existing fleet including a 15m multi-cat and 16m tug,” says Philip Williams. “In addition, we have invested in a replacement 70t crawler crane to operate from one of our flat top barges and will soon be basing one of our fast passenger launches in the haven to enable faster crew changes.”

Steve Edwards, Commercial Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said “The services and expertise offered by Williams Shipping adds real value to what we can offer our customers not just at Pembroke Port, but across the Milford Haven Waterway. We are the UK’s largest energy port and the supply chain around us has over sixty years of experience in providing excellent services to the oil and gas sector. As we transition to Net Zero, the skills developed here are proving increasingly vital for the development, logistics, operations and maintenance of renewable energy devices and an increasing number of developers are basing themselves here to take advantage of these skills as well as our natural environment and proximity to the Celtic Sea. Our collaboration with Williams Shipping will therefore be important as we grow this sector on the Haven.”

One of the biggest benefits of this facility, for Williams Shipping, is the deep-water quayside within the secure facility of Pembroke Port.

Philip adds, “Together with the Port we will also be investing in improving the berthing pontoons at Quay 3, further enhancing our capabilities in supporting marine activity.”

The port is also committed to developing the marine and renewables sectors, something that Williams Shipping is keen to support.

“We hope to continue a long and collaborative relationship with the Port of Milford Haven and the wider community for the next 15 years and beyond.”

Business

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

Published

8 hours 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

19 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

23 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):