Business

End of an era at Port Talbot as last blast furnace closes

Published

1 year ago

September 30, 2024

MONDAY (Sept 30) marked a significant turning point for the British steel industry with the closure of the last operational blast furnace at Tata Steel’s Port Talbot facility. This concludes the era of traditional steelmaking in Wales and results in the loss of approximately 1,900 jobs at Port Talbot, with additional redundancies across other Tata Steel operations in the UK.

This move is part of a broader reconfiguration at Tata Steel that plans to replace traditional blast furnace operations with an electric arc furnace (EAF) by 2027, which will recycle scrap steel in a more environmentally sustainable manner. The final day of operations saw the cessation of Blast Furnace 4, a process accompanied by notable “whooshing” sounds and large steam plumes, as described by Dean Cartwright, the works manager for coke, sinter, and iron. Cartwright reassured residents that these were standard shutdown procedures and posed no cause for alarm.

Community Union: We are committed to fighting relentlessly for our steel industry in South Wales (Pic: File)

Roy Rickhuss, General Secretary of Community Union, which represents many of the workers, articulated the profound impact of the closure: “Today marks an incredibly sad and poignant day for the British steel industry and for the communities in and around Port Talbot which are so intricately connected to blast furnace steelmaking. The end of Blast Furnace 4 is more than just a technological shift; it represents a deep cultural loss. However, this is not the end for Port Talbot. We are committed to fighting relentlessly for our steel industry and the vibrant community of workers in South Wales.”

***Friends of the Earth: The political response has been lackluster in protecting jobs or fostering green alternative (Pic: Tata)***

Environmental reactions were mixed. Kathy Oakwood, chair of the local branch of Friends of the Earth in Neath Port Talbot, acknowledged the potential environmental benefits of shutting down the furnace, such as improved air quality. However, she criticized the approach as a missed opportunity for securing green jobs. “The political response has been lackluster in protecting jobs or fostering green alternatives locally. This transition touches on more than just environmental issues; it deeply affects people’s mental health and community standing,” Oakwood stated.

Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, responded to the closure with a message of support and resilience: “This is undoubtedly a challenging period for the workers, their families, and the entire community affected by Tata’s decision. My office moved swiftly to secure a more favorable deal that not only preserves the future of steelmaking in Port Talbot but also lays the groundwork for further investment and enhanced worker protections. We have already released millions in funding from the Transition Board to support affected businesses and workers, with more assistance on the way.”

***Unite Union: The job losses announced today are nothing short of industrial vandalism (Pic: File)***

Meanwhile, the Welsh Conservative leader, Andrew RT Davies, reflected on the broader implications for Welsh heritage and economy: “The closure of the last blast furnace is not just a loss for the community but a stark indicator that our industrial strategies may no longer be serving our communities effectively. We must reconsider our approaches and ensure equitable opportunities for our industrial bases.”

Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, offered a stern critique of the transition management: “The job losses announced today are nothing short of industrial vandalism. These transitions, happening too late and with too scant funding, leave workers bearing the brunt of poor planning and previous government neglect. However, with Labour’s recent commitment to a £2.5 billion investment in the UK steel industry, including a significant upgrade at Port Talbot, there is a pathway to a sustainable future for steel here.”

In response, Unite has engaged in ongoing discussions with Tata Steel regarding future investments, aimed at establishing new processing lines and securing job creation over the next year.

Tata said that as the traditional blast furnaces cool for the last time, the focus now shifts toward

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

8 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

12 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

19 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.