IT is incredible that between the MHPA and Pembs Tourism they cannot carry out a simple accounting adjustment to rescue the Cruise Ship business plan, particularly in the wake of the loss of Murco’s crude oil shipping.

Until now MHPA successfully competed to attract cruise ships, of limited size, due to the absence of a berth for bigger vessels, which is a declared “long term ambition”.

There is a cost of providing anchorage for cruise ships, making a loss to MHPA (they assert).

In contrast the thousands of passengers coming ashore via MHPA annually spend (according to Pembs Tourist) about half a million pounds.

Thus the simple accounting adjustment would be for Pembs Tourism to transfer a modest amount to MHPA for each cruise ship anchoring in Milford Haven harbour.

This is not difficult but is politically charged. Already 2015 bookings are established and 2016 is partially booked.

The port is quoted as saying that “the number of ships calling is reducing”.

This is not true for cruise ships but is for Murco crude oil tankers due to the Murco Refinery closure.

So let’s see a positive attitude and long overdue appropriate action.

To browse the 2010-2011 history in full please see www.jenkyn.com/newberth

ADRIAN JENKYN