THE arrival of LNG is expected to create approximately 100 permanent maritime jobs, according to Milford Haven Port Authority.

Chief executive Ted Sangster said: "This is clearly a welcome boost to an economy already benefiting from the construction and operation of the terminals and jetties themselves."

He said at least six more tugs will be required to meet the needs of South Hook and Dragon LNG operators once tankers start arriving at the two terminals at the end of next year.

As well as crew for these vessels, Mr Sangster predicts there will also be jobs created on line boats carrying LNG tankers' mooring lines to the jetty and on support craft. Each crew requires a crew of approximately four people.

He said extra pilots would be employed by the Port Authority itself, with contractors working on the new jetties also expected to take on more employees.

Maintenance work and provisioning should push the number of new jobs up even further.

Mr Sangster announced the predicted increases at the Milford Haven Waterway Business Showcase at Brunel Quay, Neyland, last week.

A South Hook LNG spokesman said it would have one tanker arriving at its jetty every two and a half days once phase two of the project is operating.

Dragon is anticipating 76 LNG vessels in its first year, each requiring four tugs to manoeuvre it in and and out of the waterway. A guard tug will also stay with each tanker while it is moored.