Milford Haven Port Authority has prosecuted a skipper for offences relating to unsafe navigation in the Milford Haven Waterway after a collision with a moored vessel in a charted mooring area. The offender was fined £4,000, which was reduced to £3,000 due to a guilty plea, ordered to pay a surcharge of £1,200 and prosecution costs of £6,000.

The incident took place on 4th June 2025, when the skipper, who was navigating at a dangerous speed, struck a stationary vessel securely tied to its moorings. The skipper also failed to report the collision to the Harbourmaster as required under Milford Haven Port Authority byelaws.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on the 5th March and pled guilty to three offences contrary to section 23 of the Milford Haven Conservancy Act 1983:

  • navigating a vessel in a manner causing damage, danger or inconvenience to other users of the Haven, resulting in a collision;
  • failing, as master of the vessel, to report forthwith to the Harbourmaster a reportable collision; and
  • conduct injuriously affecting the safety of navigation within the Haven.

Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven, Mike Ryan, said: “We are responsible for ensuring the safe and lawful use of the Waterway. Most users comply with the byelaws and navigational requirements, which exist to protect all who operate on or enjoy the Haven. We encourage anyone who is unsure of their responsibilities to consult the guidance available at www.mhpa.co.uk/enjoy-the-milford-haven-waterway/rules-regulations/. Users who do not comply with these byelaws may be subject to legal action.

This incident is a reminder to everyone using the Waterway of their obligations: to always maintain a proper lookout, to navigate at a safe and appropriate speed, and to take early and decisive action to avoid the risk of collision. And, in the event of any collision or incident, users are legally required to report the matter to the Harbourmaster without delay. We will act, including pursuing prosecution when necessary, to keep everyone safe. Compliance with these requirements is essential to maintaining safety and protecting this important environment for everyone.”

The Port of Milford Haven is responsible for managing safe use of the Milford Haven Waterway within the defined port limits. The Milford Haven Conservancy Act 1983, Milford Haven Harbour Byelaws (1984) and associated legislation provide the legal framework for these responsibilities and gives authority to prosecute those that endanger safe use of the Waterway. The Port of Milford Haven continues to work closely with all waterway users to promote high standards of safety and responsible behaviour across the Milford Haven Waterway.

 

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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