Milford Haven welcomes giant tanker
The Port of Milford Haven has reaffirmed its position as a cornerstone of the UK’s energy infrastructure with the arrival of the Yasa Southern Cross, the largest vessel to enter the port since 2009.
The 333m crude oil tanker, weighing 313,348 deadweight tonnes when fully loaded, berthed safely at the Valero jetty on 10 June to discharge over one million barrels of crude oil for the Valero Refinery. She is scheduled to depart on Friday, 13 June.
The arrival of such a large vessel is a rare but powerful reminder of the strategic importance of the Welsh port in ensuring energy security for the UK. As one of the nation’s busiest and most vital energy ports, Milford Haven routinely handles major energy shipments including oil, gas and fuel imports critical to powering homes, businesses and industries across the country.
“For decades, Milford Haven has served as a gateway for the UK’s energy needs, and the arrival of Yasa Southern Cross is a clear example of the scale and capability we offer,” said harbourmaster Mike Ryan.
“We are proud to be the UK’s leading energy port. While we are used to handling large vessels, this one certainly stands out and highlights the significance of our operations.”
Ryan also noted the expertise of the port’s marine teams, who undergo rigorous safety and operational training to ensure secure berthing and handling of exceptionally large vessels.
The Yasa Southern Cross follows in the wake of previous large tankers like the Ocana (2009) and Sea Song (1988), further reinforcing Milford Haven’s reputation as a critical gateway for energy imports to the UK.
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