Displaying items by tag: UK Transport Sec

25th March 2022

UK Transport Secretary Calls for Boss of P&O Ferries to Quit

The British Transport Secretary calls for the boss of P&O Ferries to quit. Above at the Port of Larne where the ferry firm suspended sailings more than a week ago.

The UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said the boss of P&O Ferries should resign after his "brazen" and "breathtaking" comments about "knowingly breaking the law".

It comes after chief executive Peter Hebblethwaite admitted the company broke employment law when it sacked 800 workers without notice.

The Transport Secretary told Sky News this morning: "I thought what the boss of P&O said yesterday about knowingly breaking the law was brazen and breathtaking, and showed incredible arrogance.

"I cannot believe that he can stay in that role having admitted to deliberately go out and use a loophole - well, break the law, but also use a loophole."

Pressed on whether that meant he was calling for Mr Hebblethwaite to resign "right now", he said: "Yes."

Mr Shapps also said the Government is planning to change the law to ensure companies working from British ports pay people the minimum wage.

Yesterday, Mr Hebblethwaite was urged by MPs to quit after acknowledging there is "absolutely no doubt" the ferry operator was required to consult with trade unions.

The company replaced its crews with cheaper agency workers last week.

More RTE News has here to read on this development.

Published in Ferry

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Covid-19: Ports and Airports in Northern Ireland Need ‘Urgent Help’

In this aerial view of Belfast Harbour's port estate note alongside on the left is the George Best Belfast City Airport, one of two that serve the Ulster capital.

Ports and airports need urgent help to endure the coronavirus crisis, Northern Ireland’s Stormont ministers said.

They asked Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to introduce special measures.

Commercial air travel has dwindled with the demise of Flybe and easyJet’s decision to ground its entire fleet.

Freight operators using ferries have expressed mounting concern about the viability of services when there are fewer return loads available.

I will continue to press for critical support to protect our economy and most importantly our community at this difficult time

Northern Ireland Finance Minister Conor Murphy said: “It was a productive phone call with Grant Shapps and Secretary of State, Brandon Lewis.

More from this story reports the Irish Examiner.

Afloat adds asides Belfast Harbour and the Port of Larne, there are commercial ports located in London/Derry (Foyleport), Coleraine and Warrenpoint.

Published in Northern Ireland Waters

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Which is Ireland's busiest lifeboat station?

While the number of callouts to lifeboat stations varies from year to year, Howth Lifeboat station has aggregated more 'shouts' in recent years than other stations, averaging just over 60 a year.

Do the RNLI get paid?

Stations with an offshore lifeboat have a full-time mechanic, while some have a full-time coxswain. However, most lifeboat crews are volunteers.

How many RNLI Lifeboat stations in Ireland?

There are 46 lifeboat stations on the island of Ireland

How many lifeboat crew have been lost in rescue missions?

How many people are rescued by the RNLI?

In 2019, 8,941 lifeboat launches saved 342 lives across the RNLI fleet.

What type of boats does the RNLI have?

The Irish fleet is a mixture of inshore and all-weather (offshore) craft. The offshore lifeboats, which range from 17m to 12m in length are either moored afloat, launched down a slipway or are towed into the sea on a trailer and launched. The inshore boats are either rigid or non-rigid inflatables.

How are lifeboats called out?

The Irish Coast Guard in the Republic of Ireland or the UK Coastguard in Northern Ireland task lifeboats when an emergency call is received, through any of the recognised systems. These include 999/112 phone calls, Mayday/PanPan calls on VHF, a signal from an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) or distress signals.

What is the relationship between the Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI in Ireland?

The Irish Coast Guard is the government agency responsible for the response to, and co-ordination of, maritime accidents which require search and rescue operations. To carry out their task the Coast Guard calls on their own resources – Coast Guard units manned by volunteers and contracted helicopters, as well as "declared resources" - RNLI lifeboats and crews. While lifeboats conduct the operation, the coordination is provided by the Coast Guard.

What is a coxswain?

A lifeboat coxswain (pronounced cox'n) is the skipper or master of the lifeboat.

What training do RNLI lifeboat crews get?

RNLI Lifeboat crews are required to follow a particular development plan that covers a pre-agreed range of skills necessary to complete particular tasks. These skills and tasks form part of the competence-based training that is delivered both locally and at the RNLI's Lifeboat College in Poole, Dorset