THE port operations of Milford Haven have never been safer, according to Milford Haven Port Authority.

The statement comes after two incidents in the waterway within a few days sparked panic amongst residents last week.

Port authority chief executive Ted Sangster said: "Over many years, MHPA has continuously invested in its ability to respond to incidents, and what is significant about the two recent events - the beaching of Hubberston and the Cumbrian Fisher engine failure - was that they were responded to and dealt with efficiently and safely.

"No major operation like ours will ever be incident free; what matters is how well trained and equipped we are to manage things which happen unexpectedly.

"Acknowledging that there will be incidents, and assessing risks, are two different things. We risk assess all our operations, including handling LNG traffic.

"If any activity presents too great a risk, we will not do it. Where we do undertake activities which are assessed as no-risk, or acceptably low risk, we do not assume that they are safe'.

"We identify what may still go wrong, and plan, train and invest to be able to respond, and I am proud of the ability and track record of our excellent staff to respond in ways such as they have done in the case of the Hubberston and the Cumbrian Fisher.

He added that Milford Haven residents and users of the Haven could be assured that this professionalism and expertise will continue to be deployed in all operations, including LNG shipping.