A review of the many operational upgrades that have been delivered this year and the programme of planned infrastructure projects to enhance facilities and services for current and prospective users of Newlyn Harbour set the scene for the December meeting of the Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners (NP&HC).

From restoring roofs on the net sheds and Newline Chandlery, and replacing wooden fender piles that prevent damage to vessels during berthing with sturdier steel structures, to installing new mooring bollards on the Mary Williams Pier, repairing the South Pier’s outer face to ameliorate deterioration, fixing potholes, painting properties and updating lighting, an extensive programme of renewal and renovation took place during 2025.

Complex issues relating to the Harbour’s private supply of potable water were investigated and largely resolved, and a modernisation plan has now been set in motion.

The Harbour Commissioners welcomed three new Board Members – David Stevens, Paul Trebilcock and Becki Jarvis – alongside two Cornwall Council representatives – Cllrs Jim McKenna and Thalia Marrington – to support NP&HC’s ambitious plans to strengthen, develop and diversify the Newlyn Harbour Estate.

The recent signing of a Letter of Intent with Tower Group to progress the planned Sandy Cove development project marked an important step towards expanding Newlyn Harbour for the future fishing industry and broader marine sector.

This year also saw an increase in landings by volume and value at Newlyn Fish Market during this first year of the concession agreement under which W Stevenson & Sons Limited became its exclusive auctioneer, with almost 3.9 million kilograms of species having been landed with a market value of £19.1 million.

NP&HC continued to support the restoration of the Old Quay by Nick Howell and his team of volunteers, which aims to revitalise the historic heart of Newlyn Harbour with renewed moorings and facilities for heritage and other vessels.

The Commissioners also awarded the training contract for its new Marine Skills & Resource Centre to Seafood Cornwall Training following a competitive tendering process.

The Schedule of Charges for 2025/2026 was also considered at the meeting and approved for publication and implementation in January, with some service charges being uplifted to bring them closer to cost neutral and others being removed entirely to increase efficiency and improve customer service.

“For most harbour users, there have been no significant price increases for two to three years, during which time the Commissioners have not only absorbed cost-of-living and energy spikes, but also continued to invest in maintenance and upgrades whilst sustaining sufficient reserves to enable strategic developments,” explained Harbour Master and CEO, Jonathan Poynter.

“However, following the Chancellor’s recent budget announcements, the rateable value of the Newlyn Harbour Estate is set to increase dramatically, our staff bill has increased through additional National Insurance contributions and energy and waste removal charges have continued to head upwards, all of which have led the Commissioners to sanction an uplift for the first time since 2022/2023.”

There are several notable changes.

Water charges have been restructured to align with waste disposal fees, which will result in a modest reduction for most users. Waste disposal data will also be better monitored so that access can be more tightly controlled and ‘user pays’ principles can be applied to provide a fairer system, whilst reducing the large deficit between the cost of the service to NP&HC and the revenue received for it.

Harbour dues will be levied monthly to recognise seasonal patterns so that commercial fishing vessels will pay only for the time they are present within the Harbour.

A Pollution Response charge is also being introduced to reflect the cost of sorbents to tackle oil spillages, staff time and call-outs to third party responders to assist, to clarify that NP&HC will recover associated clean-up costs by applying the accepted best practice of ‘polluter pays.’

The majority of parking charges at Newlyn Harbour and Sandy Cove will remain unchanged, with modest increases only to longer-stay permits but skippers’ passes to gain access to car parks and the quayside will become free of charge.

“A marked effort has been made to keep the Schedule of Charges fair and relevant whilst supporting the future development needs of the Newlyn Harbour Estate,” added Chair of Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners, Paul Durkin. “By streamlining charges and simplifying processes, we can sustain our continual process of rejuvenation, strengthen our competitive position and modernise our offer. We fully recognise that all businesses will face significant economic challenges in 2026 but remain committed to our programme of investment and renewal for the benefit of all those who use Newlyn Harbour.”

Planned operational improvements in 2026 will include continuing the rolling upgrade of fender piles, further repairs to and the armouring of coping of the market and ice berths to protect against damage, upgrading two landing davits to a higher lifting capacity, undertaking further property repairs, enhancing fuelling capabilities to support larger vessels, improving health and safety, and enhancing maintenance facilities for the inshore fleet.

“Some of these projects will be carried forward by NP&HC, but larger scale works will need grant support, and we will be looking to apply to the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund next year for our larger schemes, which includes a new pontoon facility on the North Pier,” said Jonathan Poynter. “Whilst grant funding is by no means guaranteed, it is imperative that NP&HC continue to seek solutions that deliver for our users and underpin the long-term future of the Port.”

The Newlyn Marine Skills & Resource Centre that will provide a much-needed centre of excellence for developing maritime expertise in Cornwall is on schedule to be completed during the first quarter of 2026.

The first visitors to the construction site in The Strand, which included representatives from the fishing industry, Cornwall Council, the Penzance Town Deal Board and Harbour Commissioners, were impressed by how the building has been designed to maximise the utilisation of space to support a wide range of related trades, from engineering to fishmongery, through learning opportunities that will span mandatory safety to professional development.

“To celebrate the conclusion of another busy and productive year, we were delighted to support the fantastic Newlyn Harbour Lights team and welcome Father Christmas to our historic port earlier this month,” commented NP&HC’s Chairman, Paul Durkin. “On behalf of my fellow Commissioners, I would like to thank Newlyn Harbour Master & CEO, Jonathan Poynter and his staff for their outstanding work throughout the year and wish all harbour users and everyone who lives and works in our local community a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

From close of play on Tuesday 23 December until Friday 2 January (inclusive), skeleton staffing will be in place but as Newlyn Harbour is a 24/7 port, the Harbour Office ‘phone number (01736 362523) will always be answered.

The Harbour Office will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, during which time a duty officer will be on hand to respond to enquiries and regular patrols will occur.

NP&HC Board meetings take place on the first Friday of alternate months.