Falmouth Harbour in the Running for Two British Ports Association Awards

Published On: 25 September 2024Last Updated: 25 September 2024By CornishStuff

Falmouth Harbour has been shortlisted in two out of four eligible categories for the 2024 British Ports Association (BPA) Awards. The Cornish Trust Port is competing for the Port Sustainability Award 2024 and the SME Port of the Year Award 2024, with the winners set to be announced at the BPA Conference Dinner on 10 October.

Recognition for Sustainability Efforts and Innovation

The harbour’s focus on sustainability and its efforts to modernise operations have earned it a place among the top contenders. Chief Executive Officer Miles Carden expressed his pride in the recognition, stating that being shortlisted is an “incredible honour” for the entire team. He highlighted the work they have done in difficult financial conditions, with limited resources, to drive innovation and address environmental challenges.

During the last 18 months, Falmouth Harbour has partnered with various organisations to secure and deliver significant international, national, and local events. These include the prestigious Falmouth Tall Ships, the Richard Mille Cup, and the Falmouth Classics regatta. The harbour also played a role in the Falmouth Sunbeam Centenary and National Armed Forces Day celebrations.

Photo: Falmouth Harbour Environment Manager Vicki Spooner and her team are nominated for one of the two awards – the BPA Port Sustainability Award 2024. Photo – Falmouth Harbour

Environmental Achievements

Environment Manager Vicki Spooner has been instrumental in several key environmental projects. These include the protection of around 30 hectares of seagrass in collaboration with the Ocean Conservation Trust and initiatives to enhance wildlife habitats with local and national organisations. Vicki’s team is also tackling microfibre pollution with Cleaner Seas and has introduced marina charging facilities for electric vessels in partnership with Aqua Super Power.

Vicki hopes that the award nominations will bring more attention to these achievements and generate further opportunities to reduce environmental impacts and restore the natural environment.

Falmouth Harbour’s Role in the Community

Falmouth Harbour operates a significant area stretching from Black Head to the Dodman, encompassing Falmouth Bay, the Carrick Roads, and the River Fal. It also provides essential pilotage services for Falmouth Docks and the Ports of Penryn and Truro.

As a Trust Port, Falmouth Harbour reinvests any surpluses back into the harbour to benefit the local community, creating jobs and opportunities. The harbour’s responsibilities include managing the Inner Harbour at Falmouth, the Penryn River, and large parts of Falmouth Bay. A board of seven commissioners and a CEO oversee its operations in line with the standards set out in the Modernising Trust Ports document, last updated in 2018.

For more information on Falmouth Harbour and its work, visit Falmouth Harbour or call the team on 01326 213537.