In the year that it celebrates its 50th Anniversary, Milford Haven Port Authority is expanding its horizons, looking to the future with continued energy and vision. At the heart of this future drive is a focus on Cruise, and the promotion of a Port that is the new gateway to Welsh culture.

Milford Haven, situated in Pembrokeshire is the fifth largest port in the UK covering 60 square miles of waterway, and 177 miles of shoreline. Widely seen as an oil port, Milford Haven is in fact much more than this. Whilst embracing the imminent arrival of LNG and an elevated place to the second largest Port in terms of UK shipping tonnage once it is on stream, the Authority is keen to prove its multi-faceted talents. Alongside the success of commercial shipping is the emergence of Port committed to a future of diversity – at the heart of which is Cruise.

Having been actively involved in promoting Wales as a viable Cruise destination for some years, the Authority is well versed in the opportunities the Industry has to offer the Port, and the Welsh tourism economy. At present, Ships continue to anchor just outside the Marina on the Milford shelf, and passengers are tendered ashore, although smaller vessels are able to berth alongside at Pembroke Port.  The provision of a dedicated Cruise berth continues to gather momentum, with plans to further this initiative during 2008 creating the ability to accommodate a growing demand and nurture a leisure market of incredible value to the regeneration of the area. The demand for larger vessels is increasing across the industry, not only within the four and five star boutique lines, in which the Authority has established its reputation.

Active players in Cruise Exhibitions far and wide, the Authority is working alongside partners, such as Pembrokeshire County Council and the Welsh Assembly Government’s Visit Wales and International Business Wales divisions.  It will also take over Chair of Cruise Wales later this year, and continue its active involvement in Cruise Europe.

Regular visits to the Port include ships from some of the most renowned names in the Industry. Milford Haven has become a port of call for lines including Holland America, Fred Olsen, Saga, Seabourn and Peter Deilmann – all of which have been seduced by the tranquillity of the UK’s only Coastal National Park. Working with its Partners, the Authority will continue to bring forward new destinations and innovative land-based tours, offering Passengers a showcase of Pembrokeshire’s varied attractions.

Pioneering a somewhat different approach to the Welcome Ashore initiative, Milford Haven was the first Port in Europe to host the programme with specific emphasis on Cruise. Delivered across a broad spectrum of stakeholders, the Authority is keen to promote a level of service and expectation that will rival the most accomplished of Cruise Ports world-wide.