Business
Top maritime honour bestowed on Milford Haven pilot
ON SEPTEMBER 3, Merchant Navy Day, the UK Government honoured Captain John Pearn with a Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service. This is the highest medal of honour within the maritime sector and it recognises John’s lifetime of service to marine pilotage and safety.
John joined the Port’s skilled team of pilots in 1992 and has since become an exemplary ambassador for marine pilotage. He played a key role in the safe introduction of Liquefied Natural Gas vessels to the Milford Haven Waterway and has worked tirelessly within the wider UK, European and worldwide piloting communities to improve safety. He has collaborated with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Department for Transport, British Ports Association and UK Harbour Masters Association, whilst also promoting safety internationally at the International Maritime Organisation. He has served as the Chairman of the UK Maritime Pilots Association, crusading for Piloting safety standards, served as Vice President of the International Maritime Pilots Association, and still holds a key role on the Pilot Ladder Safety Committee, continuing to contribute to improving safety standards.
Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive at the Port, said: “We are unutterably proud of John. We can think of no better way to honour his lifetime commitment to improving the industry and the lives of those who work in it. As a key part of the UK’s maritime sector, we recognise and celebrate the dedication and diligence of all seafarers that the Merchant Navy Medals honours and send our congratulations to all recipients of this year’s awards.”
John is one of 11 seafarers recognised in the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service. These awards focus on the often overlooked but nationally important work carried out by the men and women in merchant navy, and their role in ensuring the safe movement of 95% of UK trade. It’s a particularly important part of Pembrokeshire life with so many families working within this community along the Milford Haven Waterway.
Maritime pilots are responsible for the safe movements of vessels in pre-determined locations in accordance with the 1987 Pilotage Act. Here on the Milford Haven Waterway, except for a few cases, pilotage is compulsory for all ships, or tug and tow combinations, of 50 metres or more in length overall, with some vessels even requiring two pilots.
Photo caption: Captain John Pearn, pilot at the Port of Milford Haven, has been awarded a Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service
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/.
-
Community6 days ago
Tragic passing Josh, 28, mourned by Milford Haven community
-
Community5 days ago
Lucy’s sudden passing at just 38 leaves a community in mourning
-
News2 days ago
Aurora Alert: Another chance to see the Northern Lights tonight
-
News1 day ago
Cyclist dies during annual charity ride to Tenby
-
News2 days ago
Renewed social media appeal over Sian Batchelor’s death
-
Crime6 days ago
Drunk digger driver remanded for hurling racial abuse at neighbours
-
Crime6 days ago
Farm mechanic admits drink driving after losing control of vehicle
-
Crime3 days ago
Former Pembroke Dock mayor admits child abuse image charges