Alderney welcomes its largest harbour visitor

Alderney's Commercial Quay is capable of hosting much larger vessels

The development of Alderney's Commercial Quay was the subject of much debate for several years but it proved its purpose in January 2010.

This was when the MV Huelin Dispatch cargo vessel moored alongside in the island's harbour becoming its largest visitor to date.

The ship's visit formed part of a trial that was intended to become a regular cargo service for island.

It is to be followed by a similar trial with the MV Huelin Endeavour.

Alderney Harbour Master Steve Shaw said: "The work on the quay has seen a number of improvements including the ability to use berth three for commercial cargo operations, which has enabled a ship of this size to moor alongside, previously this would not have been possible."

The ship went on to Southampton following its visit to Alderney

The MV Huelin Dispatch, which is the latest of Huelin-Renouf's ships to carry the name, was en-route from Jersey to Southampton when it made the trial visit.

It is captained by Bill Rollo, the ship has a capacity for 167 containers and replaces the former Huelin Dispatch, which left Channel Islands waters in December 2008.