The Port of Milford Haven announces the appointment of three highly experienced professionals to its Board as Non-Executive Directors.
Starting in post on 1 February 2024, David Martin, James Higham and Gareth Powell will bring invaluable expertise and experience at a crucial time for the Port as it undergoes a just transition to a net zero future bringing with it a very real opportunity to reindustrialise south west Wales.
The delivery of the Port’s vision as the UK’s leading energy port includes the development of a new dedicated renewables terminal at Pembroke Port and the next phase of the Milford Waterfront development. The Port will also play a pivotal role in supporting new major infrastructure projects from Floating Offshore Wind in the Celtic Sea and hydrogen production plants on land, to RWE and Dragon LNG's Multi-Utility Service Transit (MUST) scheme.
Milford Haven is a major trust port, the largest port in Wales and the third biggest port in the UK. Today, it plays a critical strategic role in supplying the country with fuel, gas and electricity, with major multi-million investments underway to create a green future. The Port also plays a fundamental role in attracting tourists to Pembrokeshire, while promoting enduring partnerships with many youth, community and environmental groups.
With expertise in commercial, marine, safety, and finance, these additions to the Board reinforce the Port of Milford Haven’s commitment to excellence:
• David Martin is a Corporate Partner at law firm Linklaters, specialising in infrastructure and with experience in the digital, freeports / ports, shipping and airports sectors.
• James Higham is leaving the Royal Navy after 35 years Service. In his most recent role, he was Director Strategy and Corporate Ops at Defence Equipment and Support where he is responsible for supporting and acquiring UK military systems.
• Gareth Powell is a Chartered Accountant and was Chief Operating Officer of BBC Cymru Wales and a Member of the BBC Cymru Wales Board from 2008 until earlier this year. He has held roles in the private, public and voluntary sectors.
Dr Chris Martin DL, Chair of the Port of Milford Haven, welcomed the appointments: “David, James and Gareth bring a wealth of experience from their respective fields, enhancing the Port's capabilities in legal affairs, logistics and financial strategies. Their perspectives and proven track records will contribute to the continued success and growth of the Port of Milford Haven. As we face new challenges and pursue fresh opportunities, their guidance will be instrumental to the success of our organisation."
David Martin, said: “Having grown up in Pembrokeshire and spent my career working with some of the world’s leading infrastructure businesses, I am looking forward to joining the board and supporting the Port and its management team at an exciting stage of its evolution and the opportunities this could bring for the local community”.
James Higham, said: “The opportunity to serve the region of West Wales, and contribute tangibly to the opportunities that the Port of Milford Haven are pursuing now and in support of a more sustainable future for Wales and the UK, is something I’m incredibly excited by.”
Gareth Powell, said: “I am delighted and it is a privilege to have been appointed as NED to the Board of PMH. I am relishing the opportunity to play my part in continuing the impressive strides the Port has made under Chris Martin’s chairmanship and supporting the Board’s strategic ambition in the years ahead.”
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Notes to editor
Recently, the UK Government and UKRI committed funding for feasibility studies to explore the potential construction of the RWE and Dragon LNG's Multi-Utility Service Transit (MUST) scheme. The MUST project proposes to connect industry to boost the decarbonisation of the Milford Haven Waterway's industrial cluster by creating the critical infrastructure to support CO2 shipping and the hydrogen economy.
Notes to Editors
The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It is widely recognised in the industry as the energy capital of the UK.
The Port, along with the cluster of energy-related businesses along the Waterway, is a key driver of economic activity in Pembrokeshire, attracting inward investment and supporting over 4,000 jobs.
The Port of Milford Haven also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront. Activities such as cargo handling, ferry operations, fish landing and cruise calls as well as a first class marina are spread across these two sites.
One of the most prominent on the West Coast, the Port is in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only Coastal National Park in Great Britain. It is marked as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and has many areas designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The Port of Milford Haven is a trust port – an independent, commercially run organisation that has statutory responsibilities governed by its Acts, to maintain and improve navigation and the provision of Port and Harbour services and facilities. Additionally, the Port provides significant financial and in-kind support to a wide variety of local causes. All profits are retained within the business to fund these objectives.
For further information, visit www.mhpa.co.uk or contact:
Anna Malloy
Port of Milford Haven
01646 696100
anna.malloy@mhpa.co.uk