The thing with working at the Port of Milford Haven is that really, it’s all about the sea. And why wouldn’t it be? As an island, the UK is incredibly privileged to be surrounded by such a powerful resource. Our position is especially unique, as the sea has been feeding our bellies for centuries. From fishing, to shipbuilding, to oil, to LNG, to ferries, and now to tourism, the Irish Sea is our bread and butter. It seems only fitting then, that the Year of the Sea would fall on our 60th Anniversary.
2018 has passed by in a whirlwind, but then they all do, don’t they? In fact, the last 60 years have shown what a power time has. The revolution that the Port of Milford Haven has experienced since the Act of Parliament in 1958 that made us a Trust Port is insurmountable, without mentioning the centuries before then that the Waterway stood as a beacon entrance to Pembrokeshire for seafarers. It is an honour for all staff who work in the organisation to continue to champion the Port’s development and maintain the strength of this beautiful and fixed hub of industry and talent. The past few years have seen the beginnings of the Milford Waterfront Development and we are extremely proud to be developing the area to attract further tourism. Milford Haven has a unique appeal in its history and location. A buzzing industrial and leisure focused Waterway is at the heart of our town, and showing it off to the world is extremely exciting. In fact, over the course of this year we have welcomed over 3,000 cruise passengers to the area, all of whom have marvelled at the friendly nature of the locals and the rich history and beauty of the Haven. Hopefully you will also have witnessed exactly how busy it has been over the course of the summer. We are so lucky to have access to the Waterway – not only can it facilitate the supply of up to 30% the UK’s gas, but it is simply stunning, and a very unique selling point.
The Milford Waterfront Development has made some incredible strides throughout 2018. It has welcomed new thriving businesses such as Impasto and the Olive Tree, including the new boat trips from Discover Coast and Cleddau, and held some exciting events that I am sure will be stuck in people’s minds for a long time. Staff were all very excited when a long-term project made some serious headway with the arrival of the Floatel Cabins! The installation was long awaited, and although they aren’t quite ready yet, it is very fulfilling to finally see them sat in the Marina. Not only that, but the Costa development is finally making some speedy progress. We are really looking forward to being able to hand over the site to Costa, and having them open the door and steam the first cup of coffee. 
Earlier in the year, a 100-year-old tree stump was recovered from the Waterway. The Port enlisted the help of Gelliswick VC School to come up with designs for the sculpting of four benches crafted from the wood, of course following the theme of the Year of the Sea. These are installed on the far end of Mackerel Quay, overlooking the water. Furthermore, Milford Waterfront hosted an internationally published artist, Karen Ingham for her art exhibition celebrating the Year of the Sea.
There are some even more exciting projects in the pipeline, but you will have to keep an eye in the local papers and our news page for more information on that in the coming months.
But it isn’t all just about the Waterfront of course. Our Pembroke Dock Marine project is featured as part of the Swansea Bay City Deal, which continues to evolve. The Pembroke Dock Marine project will be the jewel in the crown, creating a world-class centre for marine energy development, fabrication, testing and deployment at the hub of the Milford Haven Waterway. We have worked collaboratively with Marine Energy Wales, ORE Catapult and Wave Hub, as well as Swansea University and Pembrokeshire College and together we are looking to drive innovation and herald the commercialisation of wave and tidal stream technology in Wales.
It certainly has been a big year and we look forward to the next 60 years; playing our part in building the Haven’s prosperity.