THE Royal Navy could be returning to Portland.

The island is being considered as the new home for the navy's next generation of aircraft carriers because it is one of a handful of ports in the UK big enough to accommodate them.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed today that Portland was on a shortlist of ports being investigated to take the two 50,000-tonne CVF carriers commissioned by the MoD at a cost of £2.5 billion.

It is understood that the deep, sheltered waters of Portland Harbour, combined with its good strategic position, makes it a natural choice.

The port also has excellent berth and fuel facilities.

Portland Port said today it would welcome the business and is keen to be involved in further talks with defence chiefs.

Port director Rupert Best said the possible move would generate many new jobs and provide a massive boost to the local economy.

South Dorset MP Jim Knight, who is a member of the House of Commons defence select committee, has been involved in private talks about Portland being the new home for the carriers.

He said: "I have been working very hard to try and promote Portland as the location for the new carriers, however there has been powerful lobbying from other areas.

"Portland is the perfect choice and has distinct advantages over Portsmouth and Plymouth in that it has an entrance and an exit to its harbour. Portland is also regarded as a very secure port and of course it is one of the largest and most strategically placed harbours on the south coast.

Mr Knight added: "There is a possibility that the new ships could come to Portland but I don't want to get people's hopes up.

"Portland Port needs to generate a substantial amount of money from harbour dues in order to maintain the breakwater."

Mr Knight said claims that Portland was being considered for any political motive were 'simply not true.'

The Royal Navy began to pull out of Portland ten years ago when the closure of the naval base was announced. More than 1,000 jobs were lost and the South Dorset economy was dealt a major blow.

Former South Dorset MP Ian Bruce said: "When we were fighting to keep the base open it was made clear to the Ministry of Defence about the importance of the conditions at Portland over Portsmouth and Plymouth.

"The advantages of Portland are now coming home to roost and I hope it will be a very real consideration."

Portland Port director Rupert Best said: "We are aware that the Ministry of Defence is looking at berthing requirements for the medium and long term and that Portland is one of the ports being considered.

"Certainly we have the facilities to offer these carriers and would be very pleased to accommodate them. There would be all sorts of spin offs to the economy including the many jobs that would be created."

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said the findings of a study looking into new navy ships and their ports would be completed later in the summer. He said the design of the new carriers was still at the 'embryonic' stage and that Portland was one of the ports being considered.