News
UK Invests £1.5 Million in Future of Zero-Emission Shipping
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
Donation gives Stackpole Quay book trailer fresh new look
A COMMUNITY donation will help spruce up a popular summer book trailer at Stackpole Quay after members of the Pembrokeshire National Trust Association handed over more than one thousand pounds to support the project.
The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association presented a cheque for £1,095 to the National Trust at Stackpole Quay this weekend.
The cheque was formally given to Rhian Sula, General Manager for the charity’s Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Bay portfolio, by association chairman Jane Mason during a National Trust information coffee morning at the Stackpole Centre.
The money will be used to refurbish the well-known second-hand book trailer which operates at the quay during the summer months. The trailer allows visitors to pick up a holiday read while making a donation, with proceeds supporting local conservation and access projects.
Last year alone, the trailer raised more than £1,500.
Jane Mason said the association had originally funded the purchase of the trailer several years ago and wanted to build on its success.
“Our new donation from members’ support will improve the trailer with updated imagery and design,” she said. “This will help the National Trust present a more professional, welcoming and brand-aligned offer, and potentially grow donation income.”
The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association runs a programme of talks, visits and guided walks in support of local Trust properties. Membership of the National Trust is not required to join the association. Annual membership costs £5 for individuals and £8 for couples.
At its AGM in November, the group announced £3,000 in additional donations for local projects, including replacement willow hurdles at Tudor Merchants House, footpath improvements at Little Milford, and a new bench, tree planting and path works at Southwood.
With the latest contribution towards the book trailer, the association’s donations for the current financial year now exceed £4,000.
Photo caption:
Jane Mason presents a cheque for £1,095 to Rhian Sula at Stackpole Centre (Pic: supplied).
Crime
OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters
A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.
Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.
The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.
His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.
Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.
Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.
Crime
Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls
A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.
Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.
The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.
She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.
Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.
As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.
Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.
She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.
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