INCREASING numbers of naval vessels are stopping over in Dorset to replenish their fuel and supplies.

Portland last month saw more ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary than in any single month since the Royal Navy left the former naval base in July 1995.

Last year the total number of warships and auxiliaries of all nations entering the harbour limits exceeded 2001's record of 98 by nearly 50 per cent.

Pride of place last month went to the Royal Navy's two brand new large fleet tankers, RFA Wave Ruler and RFA Wave Knight.

The two 600ft long ships are the largest single role tankers to be built specifically for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary for more than 30 years.

"We have been very pleased to see these two modern ships in Portland together," said Rupert Best, the Portland Port director responsible for developing defence business.

"We would like to think that their presence has highlighted Portland's great strengths as a secure, deep water harbour on the South Coast with very easy access to the open sea.

"Portland is particularly well equipped to service naval tankers and that is one very important reason why we are keen to increase the amount of kerosene we store in the Mere Tank Farm above the present limit of 5,000 tonnes."