A huge pair of state-of-the-art lock gates, installed in the Port of Milford Haven's vibrant docks and marina, have been officially commissioned by the Secretary of State for Wales.

The £6m lock gates, standing almost 12 metres high and weighing 90 tonnes each, represent a major upgrade to the giant lock system, first built by the Victorians more than 125 years ago when they created the docks as a home to the large fishing fleets of that time.

Secretary of State for Wales, the Rt. Hon. Stephen Crabb, cut a ribbon on the gates on Friday morning before a flotilla of yachts made a symbolic journey through the new access.

Commenting ahead of the opening, he said: "This new investment represents another step forward for the Port of Milford Haven. The £6m project is a significant infrastructure investment and is the first step in the delivery of the Milford Dock Master Plan which will put Milford firmly on the map as a leisure destination.

"The new lock gates have made Milford Marina the most accessible tidal marina in the UK and a hub for the leisure marine industry in West Wales. Pembrokeshire has a thriving tourism industry and this new investment has the potential to attract and most importantly develop new opportunities for businesses locally."

The gates' completion ensures much faster and more frequent lock times. Manager of Milford Marina and Docks, Alaric Churchill, says the gates will make a huge difference for boaters.

"Boats can come and go at any time now, more often and more quickly. That's great news for berth holders getting out to sail along Pembrokeshire's beautiful coastline of course. But it's also great news for visiting boats from near or far, who will find it easier than ever to pop in for the day and enjoy what Milford Marina has to offer," he said.

The Dock Lock project was part of Visit Wales' Coastal Tourism project, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, to encourage tourism along the Welsh coastline.

The project by the Port of Milford Haven represents the single biggest investment in the Docks in two generations. It also heralds a major redevelopment of the whole area being overseen by the Port of Milford Haven that will see new shops, restaurants, retail, leisure and homes being built there. Work has already started on rejuvenating Wales' largest fish docks, where they are building new dockside facilities and seafood processing areas.

Alec Don, chief executive at the Port of Milford Haven, said that the Port's aim, as a Trust Port, was to create local jobs and boost the economy.

"Milford Haven has the potential to be a core destination in Pembrokeshire. There are already some fantastic retail outlets and top quality restaurants here, as well as excellent leisure venues including the Torch Theatre, the Waterfront Gallery and Milford Museum. This year we are adding to the list of attractions with the start of Discover Milford's heritage boat tours operating out of the marina. The Milford Dock Master Plan will add to this collection which means soon there'll be even more reason to come here."