Following the monthly Board Meeting of Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners (NP&HC), here is an update on the latest developments at the Port.

After a formal interview process, NP&HC is delighted to share the news that four new members have been appointed to its Advisory Board: West Cornwall archaeologist, Jeanette Ratcliffe; management consultant, John Brooks; charity trustee and former Mayor of Penzance, Jeremy Drew and shellfish merchant, Julian Harvey.

The newly-formed Operations Liaison Group has held its first meeting to strengthen the interface been the Commissioners and Harbour users. This group will meet regularly with the aim of improving services and facilities for Newlyn’s fishers.

Newlyn Harbour’s Marine Safety Management System has been successfully assessed and audited by Designated Person, Peter Haddock, against the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC). A great deal of work behind the scenes to update principal documents, standard operating procedures and risk assessments for all aspects of the Harbour’s marine operations has resulted in compliancy with the PMSC having been confirmed.

The recent Tier 2 Incident Management Exercise to test Newlyn Harbour’s response to a significant oil spill was deemed a success by all involved.

These exercises take place every two to three years and require assistance from the Harbour’s Tier 2 responder, Adler & Allen as well as participation and observation by external agencies, such as the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Counter Pollution and Salvage Officer, the Environment Agency, the Marine Management Organisation and Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service.

“This exercise provided us with an invaluable opportunity to test our Oil Spill Response Plan and equipment, and I am very pleased with Harbour staff who displayed a high degree of competence and professionalism throughout,” comments Harbour Master & CEO, Jonathan Poynter. “It is very reassuring to the observing authorities and our wider stakeholders that NP&HC is able to demonstrate its capability to contain a spill in an emergency scenario, and we thank everyone who took part.”

NP&HC has initiated a meeting with Mayor of Penzance, Cllr Stephen Reynolds, and other town and county councillors, with the support of Cllr Thalia Marrington, to discuss ways of improving the interface between vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists in Newlyn, and community safety. Further meetings have been scheduled with a view to improving traffic flow and management.

The Commissioners eagerly await Cornwall Council’s decision on their planning application for the Newlyn Marine Skills & Resource Centre in early January.

NP&HC is facilitating the expansion of The Cornish Ice Company’s (CIC) lease footprint at Newlyn Harbour to accommodate an ice plant that the company is planning to purchase, which is currently located in Padstow. This will operate alongside the Harbour’s existing ice plant and enable the CIC to increase its output.

The project to restore Newlyn’s historic Old Quay continues to be developed and will be delivered in the coming months.

“As another busy year comes to a close, I would like to wish all our stakeholders a very Happy Christmas and hope the year has been good to one and all,” says NP&HC Chairman, Rob Wing. “I look forward to working with Commissioners, Advisory Board members, the Operations Liaison Group, the Harbour Master and his hardworking team to develop and deliver our plans in 2024.”

As Newlyn Harbour is a 24/7 port, the Harbour Office ‘phone number is always active and staff will be on site to use the quieter holiday period to its best advantage and schedule maintenance wherever possible.

From close of play on Friday 22^nd December until Tuesday 2^nd January, minimum staffing will be in place. The Harbour Office will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, during which time a duty officer will be on hand to respond to ‘phone calls and regular patrols will occur.