The Port of Milford Haven has marked a significant milestone with the official naming ceremony of its newest state-of-the-art pilot vessel.
The ceremony brought together distinguished guests and key members of the maritime community, including Chaplain Revd Jonathan Brewer; Chaplain Rufus Noy; Darcey Trueman, Head Prefect at Milford Haven School, who named the vessel at the event; His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant Miss Sara Edwards; Andrew Phillips, High Sheriff of Dyfed; and representatives from the Port's marine team.
The new pilot boat, designed with advanced technology and enhanced safety features, will support the Port's vital role in guiding vessels safely through the Milford Haven Waterway. The naming ceremony included a traditional blessing and the official christening, symbolising good fortune and safe passage for all who sail aboard her.
Mike Ryan, Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven, said:
“This vessel represents a significant investment in both our absolute commitments to pilotage service resilience and operational safety. She sits at the heart of modern pilot boat evolution – combining speed, manoeuvrability and the latest-generation Camarc hull design. For our terminal customers, this means confidence that we can continue to respond quickly to their requirements and deliver a safe, efficient and dependable year-round pilotage service.
“Llanion is not just a new vessel, she's a step-change in capability for the Port. She represents the standards we set for ourselves, our commitment to safety, to professionalism, and to doing the job properly, every single time. I look forward to seeing Llanion in action and to the role she will play in supporting the safe movement of vessels on the Milford Haven Waterway for many years to come.”
Rebecca Ahern, Head of Commercial & Legal at Dragon LNG & Dragon Energy, which is one of the Port's key terminal customers, said:
“The Milford Haven Waterway plays a critical role in the UK's energy system, and safe, dependable marine operations are fundamental to that role. This latest investment by the Port further strengthens operational reliability for all terminal users, reinforcing confidence in safe and efficient year-round vessel movements delivered on time and with consistency. It supports the long-term capability of the energy cluster here and reflects the consistently high standards of pilotage and marine service on the Waterway.”
The ceremony recognised the dedication and expertise of the Port's launch crews and pilots, whose work underpins the safe and efficient movement of vessels in and out of Milford Haven. The new vessel will strengthen operational resilience and support the Port's long-term strategic objectives.
