Falmouth Harbour Wins British Ports Association SME Port of the Year 2025

Falmouth Harbour has been named SME Port of the Year 2025 by the British Ports Association (BPA), recognising it as a small harbour punching well above its weight in sustainability, operations and overall excellence.

The award was presented last night, Thursday 16th October, during the BPA’s Conference Dinner held in the Humber. The annual ceremony celebrates performance, leadership and exceptional contributions to the UK maritime industry, with winners chosen from the BPA’s network of 408 ports that together handle 86% of all UK port traffic.

National Recognition for a Cornish Harbour

Falmouth Harbour triumphed over fellow finalists, the Port of Workington and Harwich Haven Authority, to secure the 2025 SME award. The accolade recognises small and medium-sized port enterprises that have demonstrated excellence in management, efficiency, stakeholder engagement, development and customer relations.

Falmouth Harbour CEO Miles Carden said, “It is an incredibly proud moment to accept on behalf of Falmouth Harbour the British Ports Association’s SME Port of the Year 2025.

“This award reflects the dedication of the whole team at the Harbour, our Board of Harbour Commissioners and the many partners who share our vision for a vibrant future for Falmouth Harbour.

“Competing alongside so many excellent ports makes this recognition even more special. The annual Ports Conference, this year held in the Humber, always showcases an incredible industry that it is special to be part of.”

Major Investment and Green Milestones

Over the past year, the harbour has made significant progress in both innovation and environmental responsibility. One of its standout achievements was the arrival of Atlantic, a new £1.6 million state-of-the-art pilot boat, marking one of the Trust Port’s largest investments in nearly two decades.

Like other workboats across the harbour fleet, Atlantic now runs on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable fuel that reduces emissions. Falmouth Harbour has also installed its own HVO refuelling facility, further strengthening its commitment to sustainability.

Supporting Innovation and the Local Community

The harbour’s FaBTest testing site for renewable energy projects in Falmouth Bay has continued to grow, with two new demonstrator tests completed this year.

Falmouth Harbour has also played a key role in hosting major maritime events, working with partners to bring the Richard Mille Cup and Falmouth Classics to Cornwall. These high-profile gatherings have boosted local engagement and showcased the town’s long-standing connection to the sea.

In addition, the harbour successfully installed a large protected swimming and watersports area off Gyllyngvase Beach, providing a safe space where larger powered vessels are excluded.

About Falmouth Harbour

Falmouth Harbour operates an area stretching from Black Head to the Dodman, covering Falmouth Bay, the Carrick Roads and the River Fal. It also provides pilotage services to APCL group for Falmouth Docks and Cornwall Council’s Cornwall Harbours for the ports of Penryn and Truro.

For more information on the harbour’s work and services, including its focus on safety, environmental care and quality, visit www.falmouthharbour.co.uk or call the team on 01326 213537.

📷Falmouth Harbour CEO Miles Carden and Chair of Falmouth Harbour Commissioners Mark Chanter (centre left and right) accept the award for British Port Association SME Port of the Year 2025 from sponsors Port Skills & Safety and Richard Ballantyne, CEO of the BPA (right). Photo Credit - BPA