SHIPS have called in at Portland Port for repairs and refuelling as a new scheme comes under operation.

The Cobelfret's operator's ferry Melusine entered the harbour for an underwater survey carried out at Portland Port by UMC International.

She was joined by the Clipper Eagle, which entered harbour for repairs to her crane.

The vessels were the latest to visit the former naval base under Portland Port's One Stop Shop business.

The company offers advantageous terms for ships carrying out activities that do not involve movements of cargo or passengers.

Portland Port communications director Rupert Best said that such ships were frequently serviced by Dorset-based marine engineering companies or those with headquarters elsewhere but with a presence at Portland Port.

He added that the One Stop Shop business attracts ships because of the port's strategic location, with minimum diversion from the shipping lanes of the English Channel.

Portland Bunkers International Limited (PBIL) has also been busy refuelling ships moored at the port and in Portland Harbour.

In the early hours of Monday morning, staff used PBIL's underground tanks to refuel the Lady Hilde. The tanker Speciality has also called in to deliver marine gas oil to the Mere Tank Farm, together with ultra low sulphur diesel and kerosene for the port's inland distribution depot.

Mr Best said that the ships from the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) have also called into the port recently.

The tankers Wave Knight, Orangeleaf and Black Rover have been joined by the HMS Tyne on a short stand-off from her duties with the Fishery Protection Squadron.

All were moored at the port during the weekend.

The influx of ships comes as the port aims to step up operations.

Portland Port Limited (PPL) has operated the commercial port since the closure of the Royal Naval Base on April 1 in 1996. Portland Harbour Authority Limited (PHAL) have been the statutory harbour authority since the demise of the Dockyard Port and departure of the Queen's Harbour Master on January 1, 1998.

Greek-owned Portland Bunkers International Limited have renovated the four underground tanks, totalling 40,000 cubic metres.

It has built a new jetty on the port's inner breakwater to provide, in conjunction with BP, the fuel to ships at anchor in the harbours.