LESS than a year after it took over the running of Milford Haven's dry dock, Haven Marine Services (HMS) has been praised by Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb.

HMS was formed as a result of the collapse of Mustang Marine in 2014, with the aim of retaining and securing the future of the ship repairing facility at Milford Docks.

The move also saved nine jobs.

Mr Crabb was given a tour of the dock last week by general manager Jeff Mills, and managing director Steven Arnold, who showed him the range of vessels that can be accommodated in the dry dock, from tallships like the Kaskelot, which is currently on the blocks, to tugs, tankers and target barges.

As well as its own staff, HMS also provides work to a host of local companies.

They supply a range of services from cleaning supplies and workwear to highly specialist skills such as hydraulic engineering and precision machining.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Crabb said: “It was a pleasure to see the local success story of HMS first hand today.

"After the disappointment of the failure of Mustang Marine, it’s great to see HMS doing so well at the Haven.

"Also, by employing contractors who were previously working at Murco, they are safeguarding local jobs and retaining skills here in Pembrokeshire.”

He added: “Haven Marine Services have been operating for less than a year but have already made their mark with the experience and quality of their team.

Marine engineering has been a traditional strength of Milford Haven and HMS are showing that it continues to play an essential part of a successful Port.”