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UK Invests £1.5 Million in Future of Zero-Emission Shipping

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THE UK Government has announced a £1.5 million initiative dedicated to establishing zero-emission shipping routes that link the UK with key European countries. Maritime Minister Lord Davies of Gower, representing this visionary commitment, is in Wales today, specifically visiting the Port of Milford Haven, to highlight the scheme.

The Port of Milford Haven, known for its strategic importance and historical significance in the maritime industry, serves as a fitting backdrop for the launch of the fifth round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC5).

This initiative is focused on fostering feasibility studies that aim to fast-track the development of ‘green corridors’. These corridors will facilitate the use of green fuels and power charging systems by vessels, ensuring cleaner travel for passengers and freight alike. An essential aspect of these studies is the exploration of additional regulatory measures necessary for the maritime industry’s shift towards decarbonisation, aligning with the UK’s net-zero commitments in a manner that does not impose further costs on taxpayers.

This ambitious project envisions the creation of zero-emission shipping routes connecting the UK with the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and Ireland, heralding a new era of eco-friendly and economically beneficial maritime transport.

During his visit to the Port of Milford Haven, Lord Davies highlighted the dual benefits of this investment, stating, “Investing in zero-emission routes to and from the UK not only fosters a greener maritime sector but also lays the foundation for enduring sustainability, job creation, and economic growth.” He underscored the importance of this funding as a pivotal step towards realisƒing the UK’s aspiration of establishing international zero-emission routes by the mid-2020s.

The collaborative spirit of this initiative is further exemplified by the supportive remarks from Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, who lauded the green shipping corridors initiative between the UK and Norway, emphasising the long-standing maritime relationship between the two nations and their cooperative efforts since the Clydebank Declaration in 2021.

This initiative gains momentum from its announcement at the London International Shipping Week in 2023, further advancing the UK’s leading role in the Clydebank Declaration for Green Shipping Corridors, a significant global movement initiated at COP26. This movement aims at cultivating zero-emission shipping routes worldwide, marking a pivotal stride towards sustainable maritime logistics.

Funded as part of the broader £206 million UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, this initiative sees Ireland and the Netherlands offering match funding, while Denmark and Norway contribute through information sharing and collaboration facilitation.

With competitions for international collaborations opening in the spring and summer of 2024, this initiative promises a cleaner, greener maritime future. It has garnered support from across the maritime and innovation sectors, with industry leaders recognising the pivotal role of green corridors in the industry’s decarbonisation efforts.

Lord Davies’s visit to the Port of Milford Haven not only symbolises the UK Government’s dedication to pioneering a sustainable maritime industry but also sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in the realm of zero-emission shipping, promising a more sustainable and economically vibrant maritime future.

 

Charity

Tenby club raises £1,000 for Wales Air Ambulance

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TENBY INNER WHEEL CLUB has raised £1,000 for Wales Air Ambulance after holding a popular fish and chip supper fundraiser.

The club has supported the lifesaving charity for 12 years, raising £8,600 in total.

The latest event, held at the Boathouse in Saundersfoot, included both lunch and evening sittings, as well as a raffle.

The Inner Wheel Club of Tenby is a women’s organisation focused on friendship and service. It currently has 23 members who raise money for a range of good causes.

Karen Tulley, from the club, said: “Our members use our skills to promote and help good causes, while having plenty of fun at the same time.

“We are all aware that Wales Air Ambulance relies totally on donations and receives no government funding, which is why we are always keen to make this a really good event and raise as much money as we can.

“The air ambulance service is essential, particularly in rural areas.”

Following the fundraiser, Mike May, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager, attended the club’s annual meeting, where he was presented with the £1,000 cheque.

He said: “A huge thank you to everyone at Inner Wheel Club of Tenby for raising a further £1,000 for our service.

“The members have fundraised for us for 12 years and in that time they have raised an incredible £8,600, which is amazing. We really do appreciate their ongoing support of our all-Wales charity.

“Fundraisers like these will ensure that the Wales Air Ambulance continues to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most.”

Wales Air Ambulance is a consultant-led service which takes hospital-standard treatment to patients and, if needed, transfers them directly to the most appropriate hospital.

The charity must raise £13m every year to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

Pic: Mike May, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager, at the cheque presentation.

 

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Community

Protest planned outside police station calling for Chief Constable’s removal

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Campaigners accuse Dyfed-Powys Police of failing to safeguard children in Carmarthenshire

A PROTEST calling for the removal of Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis is due to take place outside Llanelli Police Station this weekend.

The demonstration, organised by campaign group Predator Awareness and activist Zack Griffiths, is scheduled for Saturday (May 23) at 11:00am.

Promotional material shared online claims the protest is being held because the current Chief Constable has “failed to safeguard the children of Carmarthenshire”.

Campaigners are urging members of the public to gather outside Llanelli Police Station under the slogan: “No more silence. No more excuses. Protect our children.”

The specific concerns behind the protest have not been fully outlined publicly, although organisers have linked it to wider safeguarding concerns.

When approached by The Herald, Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed officers were aware of the planned demonstration.

Protest planned: Campaigners are calling for the removal of Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis (Pic: supplied).

A police spokesperson said: “We are aware of plans for a protest in Llanelli this weekend.

“We will always seek to facilitate lawful peaceful protest while balancing it with the rights of others, keeping the public safe, and preventing crime and disorder — and we encourage anyone organising a protest to contact us so we can work together to ensure any demonstrations are done safely and with respect for the wider community.”

The protest is expected to take place outside Llanelli Police Station on Saturday morning.

 

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News

Bank holiday rail works to affect Cardiff and Valleys passengers

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PASSENGERS are being urged to plan ahead this bank holiday weekend as essential rail improvement works take place across the Cardiff and Valleys network.

Transport for Wales said all lines through Cardiff Queen Street will be closed on Sunday (May 24) and Bank Holiday Monday (May 25).

Rail replacement buses and service diversions will be in operation to keep passengers moving.

Services from Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil will continue to run into Cardiff Central via the City Line, through Ninian Park. Replacement buses will run between Radyr and Llandaf, Cathays, Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Bay.

The works come as warm weather is forecast and services to popular coastal destinations, including Barry Island and the North Wales coast, are expected to be busier than usual.

Passengers are also being reminded that a new timetable came into effect on Sunday (May 17), with some trains now calling at different stations and at different times.

Industrial action by West Midlands Railway is also expected to affect Shrewsbury to Wolverhampton and Hereford to Birmingham routes on Friday (May 22) and Saturday (May 23). TfW said its own services are likely to be busier as a result, with extra capacity provided where possible.

Sarah Higgins, Operations Director at Transport for Wales, said: “Transport for Wales will be running its normal timetable over the Bank Holiday weekend, but some services may be much busier than usual due to industrial action at West Midlands Railway affecting Shrewsbury–Birmingham and Hereford–Birmingham services on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 May.

“With high temperatures also forecast, customers are encouraged to take extra care when travelling, check for the latest travel information using the TfW website, mobile app, or social media channels, and to stay hydrated.”

On Sunday and Monday, buses will replace trains between Rhymney or Caerphilly and Cardiff Central, and between Radyr and Cardiff Central via Llandaf, Cathays and Cardiff Queen Street.

Penarth to Coryton services will terminate at Cardiff Central, with tickets accepted on Cardiff Bus routes 21, 23 and 27. On Monday only, tickets will also be valid on Cardiff Bus routes 92, 93 and 94 between Penarth and Cardiff city centre.

For the Cardiff Bay Line, tickets will be accepted on Cardiff Bus route 6, with an additional hourly bus running between Radyr and Cardiff Bay, calling at Llandaf, Cathays and Cardiff Queen Street.

Passengers are advised to allow extra time, carry water, and check before travelling.

 

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