Individual in van and I will break into wharf (7)

I believe the answer is:

pioneer

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'individual in van' is the definition.
'pioneer' can be an answer for 'van' (thesaurus). I am not sure about the 'individual in' bit.

'i will break into wharf' is the wordplay.
'i' becomes 'one' (Roman numeral for one).
'will break into' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters break into the word).
'wharf' becomes 'pier' (I've seen this before).
'one' going within 'pier' is 'PIONEER'.

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pioneer that I've seen before include "Original developer" , "Lead the way" , "Innovator; early settler" , "An explorer in new territory" , "One entering new territory" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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