The Milford Haven port's new energy era is "well and truly under way".

That's according to the Milford Haven Port Authority (MHPA) as the first LNG carrier to arrive at the Dragon LNG terminal in Waterston berthed yesterday Tuesday.

The Methane Lydon Volney has 145,000 cubic metres of LNG onboard from Atlantic LNG in Trinidad.

General manager of Dragon LNG John Burley said it was an important and exciting day for the new importing and storage facility.

"The ability to import LNG is a significant component within the UK's long term energy strategy and we look forward to helping to provide security of supply for gas customers throughout the country," he said.

A MHPA spokesman said: "It is something of a historic day for the port as it is the first time that we have welcomed two LNG carriers simultaneously- the Bu Samra is currently berthed on the South Hook jetty."

When operating at full capacity the facility will be able to send up to 6 billion cubic metres of gas per annum to the National Transmission System, accounting for up to 5% of current UK gas demand.

Councillor John Allen-Mirehouse, Deputy Leader and Economic Development spokesman for Pembrokeshire County Council said: "This is yet another red-letter day for Pembrokeshire and the energy sector.

"This facility provides a major contribution to our community in terms of employment and economic activity."

MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire Stephen Crabb said LNG is a vitally important component of the UK's long-term energy strategy.

Mr Crabb said: " The achievement of Dragon's first shipment is a credit to the dedicated hard work of the many people involved and further demonstrates the importance of Pembrokeshire as a strategic energy hub."

Planning permission has been given for a third tank to be built at the Waterston facility, however Mr Burley said no timescale for a start and completion date for the further phase had yet been discussed.

A Dragon LNG spokesman said a small portion of the LNG from the first shipment would revert to natural gas as part of the facility is fully cooled to its operating temperature.

"We would like to reassure the public that this flaring is not a cause for any concern and although this flare will be noticeable, it involves less than 1% of the gas shipment."