News

Tanker on way back to Milford despite opposition from locals and politicians

Published

2 years ago

March 2, 2022

IT’S the oil tanker which kept switching course, first it was heading to Milford Haven, then it was Antwerp, then it was Belfast, but now it is Milford Haven again. An attempt to confuse the public, moaning politicans? Or is the unfolding situation in Ukraine confusing the owners themselves? Its a question of many people’s lips.

Local councillor Stephen Joseph, who represents Milford Haven Central at Pembrokeshire County Council, has called for people to protest; “We can not let this oil be unloaded here” he said.

This tanker laiden with upto 20,000 tonnes of Russian oil, and hundreds of residents from Milford Haven have said that given the crisis in the Ukraine it is not welcome in Wales.

The First Minister Mark Drakeford and Plaid Leader Adam Price have been the latest politicians to say they dont want to see Russian oil landed here.

It comes as Adam Price has called for no Russian oil to enter Welsh ports while “innocent blood is being shed in Ukraine”.

Mark Drakeford backed the call made by the Plaid Cymru leader during First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday.

Cargo of controversy: Oil Tanker Louie is heading for Milford Haven once more

That was echoed by local MS Sam Kurtz.

He said: “Given the horrific images of invasion and war led by Putin’s forces in Ukraine, Grant Shapps has my full support in refusing Russian entry to UK Ports.

“The maritime sector is a fundamental part of international trade; this ban will hit hard on Russia’s economic interests and prohibit their ability to profit from our economic output.

“It is not appropriate, nor welcome, to continue granting Russian vessels access to our country. I welcome this move and I stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”

PORT HAS NO POWERS

But the Port of Milford Haven said it has no power to stop vessels with cargo from Russia except under specific circumstances.

In a letter to stakeholders dated March 1, Andy Jones CEO of the Port of Miford Haven said: “The Department of Transport have today confirmed that the UK sanctions DO NOT APPLY (our emphasis) to cargo or vessels purely because they are coming from Russia. Therefore, as we do not haev the power to unilaterally apply santions to a vessel bound for our Port, we are legally obliged to service them.”

Mr Jones added: “The DfT will be supporting us and other UK ports to identify vessels, on a case-by-case basis, which they believe should not be serviced. All of this will be done in collaboration with our terminal customers.”

In the letter Mr Jones also said: “Whilst the headlines being reported suggest that all UK ports are to refuse entry to Russian-connected vessels, this is not as straightforward as that, as this sanction is directed at ownership and control [and not Russian cargo].”

Andy Jones: Outgoing CEO of the Port of Milford Haven says he cant stop all vessels with Russian cargo

LOCAL MP’s CONCERNS

Commenting on the ‘Louie’ which is destined for Puma Energy, Preseli Pembrokeshire MP, Stephen Crabb said: “There is understandably a significant amount of community concern about the impending arrival of the Louie at the Port of Milford Haven.

“I have been seeking clarity about the situation from both the UK Transport Minister and the Port of Milford Haven.

“Whilst I understand that the vessel is not Russian owned, and is not included in the Government legislation, the cargo has been loaded at a Russian Port. Many people in the community feel strongly that even accepting cargo that has come from Russia is just simply not acceptable given the appalling situation in Ukraine.”

Community is concerned: Stephen Crabb MP

“I fully support the work that has been done by the UK Government to ban any ships that are Russian flagged, registered or controlled from entering British ports as this strong action is exactly what is needed to impose tough economic penalties on Russia in response to their invasion of Ukraine.

“But I do believe that it needs to go further still, and that the source of the cargo needs to be included in the Government’s sanctions.

“Today, I have written to the Transport Minister, Grant Shapps, asking for more action to extend the legislation to take the cargo into consideration.

“I understand that the Port and the Department for Transport are continuing to work closely to identify ships that meet the UK sanctions, and prevent them from entering while Russia continues to invade Ukraine.

“Being home to one of the UK’s busiest ports, local residents will want to see that absolutely everything is being done to ensure that a firm stand is taken against Russia and the war being raged against Ukraine.”

The Herald is awaiting for a comment from Puma Energy.

(Cover image: Milford Haven Port Authority)

Russian oil is heading to Puma Energy’s terminal in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire

News

Lease of former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse approved

Published

55 mins ago

May 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet has this week approved the transfer of the former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council.

The Cabinet approved a 21-year lease which will facilitate the Town Council’s plan to bring the premises back into use.

The future of the former Courthouse has been considered in detail, with the Town Council carrying out a public consultation on the community’s requirements, and the sites potential contribution to those local needs. The outcome of the consultation suggested that the local community wanted the building to be retained, refurbished and transformed into a multi- use centre.

Newcastle Emlyn Town Council intend to submit an application for funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF] in order to pay for the necessary restoration work. The funding is conditional upon the Town Council having a lease of sufficient term on the premises.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Alun Lenny commented: “The building as it currently stands is not needed for further use by the County Council and has been empty for some time. I welcome the Cabinet’s decision to approve the transfer of this asset to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council. The funding will ensure that the building is being used for the benefit of the town’s residents.

“This decision is in line with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Wellbeing Objectives: Enabling our communities and environment to be healthy, safe, and prosperous (Prosperous Communities).”

Crime

Teenagers fled from Pembroke RFC after setting spectators stand on fire

Published

2 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON MONDAY (may 16) between the hours of 16:25 and 17:00, the spectators stand of Pembroke Rugby Football Club was deliberately set on fire, police have said.

Two males, aged between 17-19, fled from the club grounds immediately after the smoke plumes were noticed.

Both males were on dark framed push bikes and wearing dark coloured hooded jumpers.

Officers are asking if anyone who has any information or has witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area around these times, is asked to contact police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Quote reference: 24000446140

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

Community

Cheesy names for Folly Farm’s five Humboldt Penguin Chicks

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FOLLY FARM has announced the arrival of five new baby Humboldt penguin chicks—the first penguin chicks to hatch at the zoo since 2021!

Keepers have resumed breeding Humboldt penguins as part of a managed European Breeding Programme for the species, facilitated by their membership with the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA). These chicks are the first to arrive at the zoo in three years!

Humboldt penguins are classified as a vulnerable species, facing numerous threats in the wild. Breeding had been on hold at Folly Farm, and the keepers are thrilled to be able to breed again.

The delightful new penguin chicks are growing rapidly and are snug in their nest boxes, cared for by both parents who alternate feeding duties while the other enjoys a swim in the pool. Chicks can double or even triple in weight every couple of days! In a few weeks, they will leave their nests and be taken by experienced keepers to their Penguin Nursery facility, where they will spend a few weeks learning to feed on whole fish and swim in their small ‘baby pool’, before graduating to the main pool with the rest of the colony.

The naming theme for this season is cheese, with the chicks being named Mozzarella, Camembert, Cheddar, Halloumi, and Gorgonzola. Who doesn’t love cheese?

Penguin Keeper and Assistant Zoo Manager Caz Davies shared her excitement: “We’re so excited to have chicks again. Each breeding season, keepers choose a catchy naming theme to easily identify the birds. Penguin chicks can’t be sexed until they’re a bit older and feather samples can be taken, so we’ll just have to wait for a gender reveal for now!”

‘Mozzarella’ was the first to hatch on 30 March to parents, ‘Magnum’ and ‘Feast’, followed by ‘Camembert’ on 2 April, whose parents are ‘Perci’ and ‘Puffy’. ‘Cheddar’ arrived soon after on 5 May to ‘Whippy’ and ‘Pippy’, and ‘Halloumi’ hatched on 10 May to first-time parents ‘Einstein’ and ‘Darwin’. ‘Gorgonzola’ is the youngest chick and hatched on 14 May to ‘Popple’ and ‘Pudding’.

Penguin Coast is currently home to 22 Humboldt and 14 Macaroni penguins. Guests won’t be able to see the newest arrivals quite yet—but keep watching Folly Farm’s website and social platforms for updates!