Bunkering operations

A total of 130 verbal and five written warnings were issued by the Falmouth harbour commissioners last year after a campaign was launched to reduce speed and cut down on drinking whilst in charge of a vessel.

The issue of safety followed a series of incidents in the Carrick Road and is further highlighted in the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners report published this week.

In it, commissioners' say that the safety campaign carried out last year was to be repeated during the forthcoming summer season "to encourage safe boating for all, including reducing speed, sensible drinking and use of lights at night."

The Harbour Commissioners took the issue of safety at sea very seriously, said the report.

Despite the poor summer weather last year, the levels of leisure boating and demand for moorings remained high, and the Harbour Commissioners said costs levied on these users remained some of the most reasonable in the country.

Overall it was a record breaking year with a 45 per cent increase in turnover up to £2.4 million and a 300 per cent increase in profitability.

New EU regulations meant that ships heading up the English Channel needed to take on board low sulphur fuel oil which had lead to a significant increase in the Harbour Commissioners bunkering activity, said the annual report put to members at the annual meeting.

This financial improvement had been anticipated by the Harbour Commissioners and had fully justified investing heavily in improved facilities for harbour users, which included the new £ million pilot boat, the Arrow, and a new specialist patrol officer tasked with ensuring safety and security for boat users in Falmouth Bay The challenges of continuing to invest in the future of Falmouth by ensuring the economic stability of the port had been faced full on by the Commissioners who had played a pivotal role in the development of the Cruise Liner Project and given fair consideration to proposals in relation to ship to ship transfer.

Mark Sansom

The Cruise Liner Project's Environmental Impact Assessment has been extended to allow further consideration and evidence in respect of recommendations for dredging to create a new channel to accommodate the bigger ships of the future.

However, as reported at the annual meeting, initial proposals to the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners in relation to ship to ship transfers have not been followed up, and the Commissioners have no current plans to advance consultations on this potential business opportunity.

Increased demands on all aspects of Falmouth Harbour Commission's operations have put pressure on staff and there are plans to expand office space onto North Quay.

Chief executive and Falmouth harbour master Mark Sansom said: "Our annual report details a busy and financially successful year. There are many changes and challenges to anticipate in the year ahead and, together with the Harbour Commissioners, we remain dedicated delivering our responsibility for the safe operation of our magnificent port as we as securing its financial stability and ensuring the port remains central to the economy of Falmouth and further afield."

2:28pm Friday 11th April 2008

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