The Port of Milford Haven has welcomed the Yasa Southern Cross to the Waterway, the largest vessel to enter the Port since 2009.

Measuring 333 metres in length and weighing 313,348 deadweight tonnes (DWT) when fully loaded, the arrival is a reminder of the Port’s role as a critical hub in the UK’s energy infrastructure. The ship sailed from Rotterdam to the Valero Refinery on Tuesday, June 10, departing the Waterway today, Friday, June 13. She was safely berthed at the Valero jetty where she discharged over a million barrels of crude oil.

For comparison, in 2009, the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Ocana berthed at the former Murco refinery weighing in at 300,144 DWT. Prior to that the VLCC Sea Song called at Milford Haven in 1988 with a DWT of 357,000 tonnes.

Harbourmaster Mike Ryan said: “We are proud to be the UK’s leading energy port and are well-versed in receiving huge ships on a daily basis, however the Yasa Southern Cross is certainly larger than what we usually see on the waterway and a reminder of the significance the Port plays in the UK’s energy supply.

“Our Marine team undergoes rigorous training in order to ensure the highest safety standards are met when handling vessels of extraordinary scale while maintaining operational excellence.”

To view up to date details on vessels calling at the Port, visit www.mhpa.co.uk/live-information