Portland Port has held an official naming ceremony for the newest tug to enter the fleet.

Rupert Best is named after the former submarine Commander and Portland Port Director who died in February, aged 77.

He commanded the nuclear-powered submarine HMS Courageous during the Falklands conflict in 1982, retiring the following decade.

Commander Best, pictured left, was part of the consortium persuading Langham Industries to privately take over Portland Port from the Ministry of Defence in 1996, subsequently forming Portland Harbour Authority.

He was a strong advocate for both the port and Dorset as a whole and worked tirelessly to help the port grow to what it has become today.

The multi-million-pound tug entered service earlier this year.

However, Covid restrictions forced any naming ceremony to be postponed until it was safe.

The tug joins Portland Port’s existing Maiden Castle and Rufus Castle.

Guests attending the naming ceremony included family members, friends, former colleagues who worked with Commander Best in the Royal Navy, along with colleagues at Portland Port and local dignitaries.

In a traditional ceremony, the vessel’s plaque was revealed before the tug was named by smashing a bottle of Commander Best’s favourite cider, Lancombe Rising, on the side bow of the tug by a member of the crew on behalf of Mrs Best.

Captain Mike Shipley, Harbour Master, pictured right, said: “The naming of ships is always an exciting and memorable event.

“However the naming ceremony of the ‘Rupert Best’ was also a touching tribute that we were delighted to be able to share with Rupert’s family and friends.”