NINE staff members are to be made redundant following a review of operations at the Port of Milford Haven.

The Port has been undertaking a review of its core business to “improve the responsiveness and efficiency of the business” which will see nine redundancies among launch crew staff.

Seven of those jobs will go through voluntary redundancy.

The Port said changing patterns in international energy markets, including using fewer but larger vessels, plus trade patterns being more volatile, required a need for “more flexible operating structures whereby the cost of operations can be more closely matched to the shipping activity.”

The Port said there would be no impact on the level of services provided “and the high standards of safe operation within the port will be unaffected.”

There have also been changes amongst senior management. Corporate Affairs Director and former Harbourmaster Mark Andrews will be retiring after 20 years with the Port.

He will also be stepping down as an executive board member.

Deep Sea Director Dick Moore has retired, and Tudor Symmonds has also retired after 24 years working at the Port.

Their posts will be not be refilled.

Alec Don, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven said: “Throughout this process of restructuring, ensuring the continued safe operation of Britain’s third largest port will remain our biggest priority.

"We have been working closely with Unite during the consultation period for the launch crew redundancies and will continue to provide the same high standard of service that our customers expect. We sincerely regret the changes will lead to some redundancies, however the Port will be a stronger more flexible operation as a result, which is very much a necessity.”

Mr Don continued, “Whilst we remain a busy port, we are focusing on expanding the Haven's role as a key location for fabrication and servicing for the renewable energy industry. We are also working with our partners to further develop the Haven as a destination for leisure and tourism.

"The £70m redevelopment of Milford Marina and Docks represents a major investment which, we believe will transform the economy of Milford Haven, and will have substantial potential benefits for the region including, over time, the creation of 600 new jobs.”