A new multi-million pound tug has been named after Rupert Best who played a pivotal role in the development of Portland Port.

The former Royal Navy Commander, pictured left, who commanded the nuclear-powered submarine HMS Courageous during the Falklands conflict in 1982, died in February.

He was 77.

A Director of Portland Port, he was instrumental in persuading Langham Industries to buy the port from the Ministry of Defence in 1996.

He then worked tirelessly to help it grow over 25 years.

An energetic promoter of all things Dorset, Mr Best served on many regional bodies and was a Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset.

The new tug is the latest investment for Portland Port which has been steadily growing over several years while making the necessary investments to future proof the port.

She was built in Turkey in 2019 to a Robert Allen design and will help support the port’s ability to welcome larger vessels.

The tug has a bollard pull of 50t and her two Caterpillar engines deliver a total of 3000 kw.

Bill Reeves, Chief Executive Officer, pictured right, said: “The port is lucky to have owners that consistently invest in the port’s infrastructure and assets, from berth extensions and dredging programmes to our newest tug.

“The tug is a great addition to the port’s services and operations.

“We hope that in naming it the ‘Rupert Best’, it will be a fitting memorial for someone who spent many years at sea with the Royal Navy and played such a pivotal role at the port.”

The ‘Rupert Best’ joins the port’s fleet of tugs which include the Maiden Castle, Rufus Castle and Wyke Castle.

The latter is currently up for sale.

Mike Shipley, Harbour Master and General Manager – Marine, said: “We have been planning this purchase for a while, so it was a great day when she arrived in the port.

“The Rupert Best will greatly enhance the port’s towage capability and means we are now able to offer three tugs each with a bollard pull of over 50t.”

Andy Straw, Senior Tug Master, said: “We are absolutely delighted with her.

“She is very responsive and precise.

“With an LOA (length overall) of 22.4 metres, she looks very compact, however, there is more space to her than it appears from the outside.

“She is well kitted-out both internally and externally and is a very capable tug.

“She is strong, highly manoeuvrable, and a welcome addition to our fleet of tugs.”

The ‘Rupert Best’ will be undergoing crew familiarisation of systems and safety equipment as well as crew training prior to engaging in her first ship assist tow.

An official naming ceremony will take place at a later date.