Business
A glimpse of the new ferry soon to serve Pembrokeshire as it arrives in Ireland
DUBLIN Port proudly greeted the arrival of its newest vessel, named ‘Oscar Wilde,’ in a time-honored maritime ceremony earlier today. This magnificent addition to the Irish Ferries fleet is set to commence operations on the highly anticipated Rosslare-Pembroke route soon, the Herald understands.
Originally named the STAR and built in Finland in 2007 at the same renowned dockyard as the ULYSSES for Tallink Grupp, this magnificent ship has now been renamed the ‘Oscar Wilde.’
Setting new standards in passenger cruise ferries on the Irish Sea, the ‘Oscar Wilde’ boasts impressive features and specifications. With a capacity to accommodate over 2,080 passengers and offering 134 cabins, it ensures a comfortable and luxurious journey for all on board. Moreover, its substantial space of over 2,380 lane meters can effortlessly accommodate cars, coaches, and freight vehicles.
Duty-free shopping enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover that the ‘Oscar Wilde’ offers the largest shopping area on any cruise ferry sailing the Irish Sea. Covering an impressive 17,000 square feet, this shopping destination will delight travelers on the Ireland-UK route.
Step inside the ship’s interiors and you’ll be greeted by a classic yet modern ambiance. The ‘Oscar Wilde’ is equipped with a range of amenities to cater to various passenger needs, including Freight Drivers facilities, a Club Class lounge, a self-service restaurant, an à la carte restaurant, a bar, gaming facilities, pet facilities, and a children’s play area, ensuring a family-friendly experience for all.
What truly sets the ‘Oscar Wilde’ apart is its impressive speed. Capable of reaching a top speed of 27.5 knots, it is not only the fastest cruise ferry on the Irish Sea but also offers the largest passenger capacity. This exceptional speed ensures that Irish Ferries can provide tourism passengers and freight with an efficient and reliable service, ensuring their smooth journey to their desired destinations.
Andrew Sheen, the Managing Director of Irish Ferries, expressed his delight about the new addition, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome the ‘Oscar Wilde’ to our fleet. This magnificent ship will offer our passengers and freight drivers unparalleled comfort, speed, and amenities. Coupled with the advantages of ferry travel, such as no luggage restrictions or security queues, we are confident that the ‘Oscar Wilde’ will quickly become a customer favorite. We eagerly look forward to welcoming our passengers on board.”
Starting in early June, the ‘Oscar Wilde’ will begin operating on the Rosslare-Pembroke route, taking over from the chartered BLUE STAR 1 for the busy summer season. Bookings for the new ship are now open on www.irishferries.com, with fares starting from just €246 or £206 for a return journey with a car and one adult. With its remarkable size, speed, and array of facilities, the ‘Oscar Wilde’ is poised to be the ultimate choice for travelers venturing between Ireland and the UK on the southern corridor between Wales and Ireland this summer.
Irish Ferries continues to elevate the travel experience by introducing the magnificent ‘Oscar Wilde’ to its fleet, ensuring that passengers enjoy unparalleled comfort, convenience, and a journey filled with unforgettable moments.
Business
Tata Steel Sticks to job cut plans despite Welsh pressure
IN an intense and pivotal meeting in Mumbai, Tata Steel firmly reiterated its decision to cut 2,800 jobs in the UK, primarily impacting the Port Talbot site, despite urgent appeals from Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething. Mr. Gething, who recently met with senior executives, expressed his disappointment at the firm’s unwavering stance unless there’s a shift in the UK government.
Despite these challenging circumstances, the First Minister underscored his commitment to protect jobs and prevent compulsory redundancies across Welsh sites. This dialogue comes as Tata plans to close both blast furnaces at Port Talbot by September, replacing them with a greener electric arc furnace by summer 2025, which promises to preserve thousands of jobs and reduce CO2 emissions significantly.
The Welsh Conservative leader, Andrew RT Davies, criticised Mr. Gething’s approach, suggesting that while the UK government has offered substantial financial aid, the Welsh government has only funded the First Minister’s travel to India. He accused Mr. Gething of “globetrotting” at a time of domestic scrutiny over controversial donations to his Welsh Labour leadership campaign.
Mr. Gething defended his trip, stating, “How can I sit at home and not be here in Mumbai, fighting for thousands of workers’ jobs?” He highlighted the potential of a change in leadership, with UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer poised to possibly become the next Prime Minister, which he believes could usher in a new era of capital investment for the steel industry.
Amid the uncertainty of an upcoming general election, possibly scheduled between October and January, there is concern that any governmental changes may arrive too late to alter Tata’s current trajectory. Tata CEO TV Narendran described the discussions as productive but maintained the company’s strategic direction, emphasizing their commitment to a sustainable future in the UK steel industry.
The GMB union and members of the Community steelworkers’ union have voiced strong opposition, with recent votes favouring industrial action against the restructuring plans. Plaid Cymru’s economy spokesman, Luke Fletcher, has called for the nationalisation of the steel industry, labeling Tata’s current worker treatment as “appalling.”
Meanwhile, both parties acknowledged areas of mutual benefit, such as potential investments around Port Talbot and collaborations with Welsh universities on green steel production. The First Minister also highlighted opportunities linked to the Global Centre of Rail Excellence near Neath, with Tata considering a formal agreement.
As Mr. Gething returns from Mumbai, the situation remains tense, with the future of many steelworkers hanging in the balance and the Welsh and UK governments at odds over the best course of action to mitigate job losses and transition to sustainable steel production.
Business
Port welcomes first vessel to new workboat pontoons
PEMBROKE PORT, which is owned and operated by the Port of Milford Haven, has welcomed the first customer to its new workboat pontoons. Installed as part of the Pembroke Dock Marine project to modernise the Port’s infrastructure, the pontoons are available for use by a range of vessels including workboats, barges and other small vessels.
CRC Sentinel, a dive support vessel owned by Commercial Rib Charter which is undertaking work on the Milford Haven Waterway, was the first to use the new pontoons.
Sharon Adams, Commercial Manager for Pembroke Port commented: “It’s great to see these new assets being utilised. Pembroke Port is perfectly positioned within the Port of Milford Haven to act as a hub for operations associated with marine activity taking place within the Port and the Celtic Sea. The pontoons are available for short and long term berthing and have secure access, as well as electricity and water hook ups.
The workboat pontoons compliment the other infrastructure upgrades we made as part of the Pembroke Dock Marine project including new laydown space and an expanded slipway.
We look forward to working with our existing customers, and welcoming new ones, to use the new facilities at Pembroke Port.”
The new infrastructure at Pembroke Port forms part of the Pembroke Dock Marine project to create a world-class energy and engineering centre of excellence and act as a focal point for capturing the economic value from wind, wave, and tidal renewable energy projects.
Alongside the Port’s own investment, Pembroke Dock Marine – a Swansea Bay City Deal project – is part funded by the UK Government and the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government as well as other private sector partners.
During construction, the project supported over 50 jobs including 6 apprenticeships. Contractors BAM, Walters Group and R&M Williams undertook community activity during the project, with the local community benefiting from over £11m local spend.
For further details on the facilities at Pembroke Port, and how the Pembroke Dock Marine investments have readied Pembroke Port for future energy, please visit www.pembrokeport.com.
Business
Last Call for Entries: Carmarthenshire Business Awards
BUSINESSES throughout Carmarthenshire are urged to submit their nominations for the prestigious Carmarthenshire Business Awards as the deadline of 17th May 2024 rapidly approaches.
Organised by Grapevine Event Management, these awards are set to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions and achievements of local enterprises across a variety of sectors. With the nomination process ending in less than two weeks, businesses and individuals from across the county are invited to take advantage of the opportunity for recognition by entering one of the 15 award categories.
The winners will be unveiled during a glamorous black-tie event at Parc y Scarlets on 12th July, attended by the crème de la crème of Carmarthenshire’s business community.
Liz Brookes, the founder of the awards and director at Grapevine Event Management, expressed her enthusiasm about the high quality of entries received so far. “We are thrilled with the response and the calibre of organisations that have entered. This is the final call for entries; it’s time to ensure your business and its contributions are recognised,” she stated.
Rupert Moon, chair of the judges, highlighted the significance of the awards in promoting local businesses. “Carmarthenshire boasts a range of fantastic businesses. These awards are not just a celebration but a platform to highlight significant achievements in innovation, sustainability, growth, and export success among others,” Moon commented.
Support for the event is strong, with notable local companies such as Castell Howell Ltd leading as headline sponsors. “Supporting local business is essential for Carmarthenshire’s prosperity. These awards are a fantastic opportunity for businesses to gain the recognition they deserve,” said Martin Jones, Director of Castell Howell.
Additional sponsors include Swansea Building Society, Dunbia, Azets, JCP Solicitors, JG HR Solutions Ltd, Business News Wales, and Stills, all contributing to the event’s success.
For more information on how to enter the Carmarthenshire Business Awards, or to register before the 17th May deadline, please visit https://carmsbusinessawards.com/.
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