Evgenia 1, a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), sailed into the Milford Haven Waterway on Friday bound for the Murco terminal. She is the largest crude oil ship to be seen on the Waterway since the arrival of 'Ocana' three years ago.

Measuring some 330 metres long with a beam of 60 metres, 'Evgenia 1' is almost twice as long as Irish Ferries' 'Isle of Inishmore'. When fully loaded, 'Evgenia 1' can carry almost 300,000 tonnes of crude oil. She came to Milford Haven part loaded with crude oil from West Africa via Rotterdam where the remainder of her massive cargo was previously discharged.

Milford Haven Port Authority harbourmaster Bill Hirst said the arrival of 'Evgenia 1' was a reminder of the port's significant role as the third largest port in the UK and the biggest in Wales.

"The size and number of ships we continue to handle safely every day make a significant and often unrecognised contribution to both the Welsh and UK economy. The energy that flows from the port is powering homes and transport across Britain, meeting up to 30 per cent of the UK's energy requirements," he said.

"With oil reserves in the North Sea depleting, UK ports are likely to see increasing numbers of VLCC's in coming years, carrying cargoes from West Africa and the Middle East in particular," he added.