The Port of Milford Haven is to recruit a new chairman, following the decision by the Secretary of State for Transport that current chairman, David Benson, would stand down on completion of his second three-year term as chair at the end of July in accordance with Department for Transport guidance.

Stephen Hammond, Shipping and Ports Minister, said: "I am grateful to David Benson for his six years of service as chair to the board at the Port of Milford Haven, and congratulate him on his achievements in that time. He is leaving the Port well placed to face the opportunities and challenges ahead. I wish David all the best for the future."

The recruitment process will start shortly and the appointment of a new chairman, who will head up the UK's third largest port, will be made by the Secretary of State for Transport.

David Benson was first appointed as chairman in August 2007. He was reappointed in 2010 for a second three-year term.

Under Mr. Benson's leadership, the Port has seen the completion of two major LNG terminals, part of £5bn of private sector investment over the decade that has transformed the Port of Milford Haven into the UK's largest gateway for seaborne energy products.

However, despite record profits brought on by increased shipping volumes, under his tenure the Port has also moved to insulate itself from the effects of recent international energy market fluctuations by investing in port facilities and local development on the waterway. Now a significant commercial organisation based in Pembrokeshire, the Trust Port is better placed to contribute to economic growth by stimulating new rounds of inward investment.

A further announcement about the appointment of a chairman, giving details of the recruitment process and the role, will be published in late May/early June. Meanwhile, individuals interested in the role are requested to register their interest and contact details by emailing the Port at [email protected]">[email protected].