Tom Sawyer, CEO of the Port of Milford Haven, has taken over as chair of The Welsh Ports Group.
The Group held a reception at the Welsh Senedd which brought together more than 100 industry leaders, Senedd Members and key stakeholders to discuss the vital role of Welsh ports in the economy.
Attendees were welcomed by Samuel Kurtz MS, Senedd Member for Carmarthen West & South Pembrokeshire, who spoke on his personal ties to the maritime industry and its role in the community. There were also speeches from the outgoing Chair of the Welsh Ports Group, Andrew Harston, and from Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning.
There was a strong focus on collaboration between industry and government to unlock new opportunities, improve connectivity, and ensure Welsh ports remain competitive – with each speaker highlighting the opportunity of the Celtic and Anglesey Freeports, and the resilience of the industry following severe weather impacting the GB-Ireland crossings through the Port of Holyhead.
Andrew Harston reflected on his time in the ports industry and the opportunities ahead, highlighting the industry’s increased role in the energy transition, and the importance of infrastructure investment in the years ahead. He then formally handed over the position to Tom Sawyer, who will now lead the group in advocating for Wales’s diverse and strategically important ports industry.
The reception concluded with a strong message of collaboration and ambition, with industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to ensuring that Welsh ports remain a driving force for economic progress.
Andrew Harston, outgoing Chair of Welsh Ports Group said:
“I am pleased to say that, as a whole, the ports industry has a positive working relationship with the Welsh Government and its ports team. It recognises the value that ports bring to Wales, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration to strengthen our sector, enhance infrastructure, and unlock future opportunities that can reach all parts of the country. With the right investment, they will continue to be the foundation of regional economic growth, industrial innovation, and cross-border trade for years to come.”
Tom Sawyer, incoming Chair of the Welsh Ports Group & Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, said:
“I am delighted to be appointed Chair of the Welsh Ports Group. Ports are the powerhouse of the Welsh economy and play a fundamental role in ensuring that our coastal communities prosper. As the Welsh Ports Group, we will continue to position ports and our coastal communities at the centre of our nation’s reindustrialisation and economic growth agendas.”
