Falmouth Docks
The docks are mainly a repair facility for shipping of all types. There is a small fleet of tugs to manoeuvre vessels to berths alongside, or into one of the three drydocks. The docks are operated by A&P Falmouth. There is another large company based within the Dockyard area, Pendennis Shipyard, which specialises in the building and repair of superyachts.
Two bunkering companies also use the docks. Falmouth is ideally sited at the Western end of the English Channel for topping up fuel oil before a ship sets off into the Atlantic. And ships heading up Channel may have to change to a cleaner type of fuel, as European waters are covered by strict environmental regulations on emissions. Ships can be refueled by bunkering tankers, out in Falmouth Bay or inside the harbour, depending on their size and weather conditions.
Small amounts of cargo are imported or exported through the docks, but this is not a major activity. But a growing sector of business for the docks is cruise liners - Cornwall has many attractions for visitors. Visitors can stay in the town, or be bussed to places like the Eden Project. There is a call for more dredging around the docks to accomodate the bigger liners, which at present have to anchor out in the Bay and ferry their passengers ashore in launches.
Two bunkering companies also use the docks. Falmouth is ideally sited at the Western end of the English Channel for topping up fuel oil before a ship sets off into the Atlantic. And ships heading up Channel may have to change to a cleaner type of fuel, as European waters are covered by strict environmental regulations on emissions. Ships can be refueled by bunkering tankers, out in Falmouth Bay or inside the harbour, depending on their size and weather conditions.
Small amounts of cargo are imported or exported through the docks, but this is not a major activity. But a growing sector of business for the docks is cruise liners - Cornwall has many attractions for visitors. Visitors can stay in the town, or be bussed to places like the Eden Project. There is a call for more dredging around the docks to accomodate the bigger liners, which at present have to anchor out in the Bay and ferry their passengers ashore in launches.
The photos on this page are intended to illustrate some of this varied activity:
28.11.2007: Two vessels lie either side of Queen'sWharf
14.06.2007. The docks seen over the roofs of Gyllyng Street, Falmouth
08.04.2008: Another view over the roofs of Gyllyng Street
The two wharfs that lay between Queens and Duchy, Empire and King's, were removed since the June 2007 photo was taken.
But Bing and Streetmap UK (which both offer OS mapping), and Google Maps, still show these two wharfs in position, as of 01.06.2013!
There was a plan to build a super-yacht marina in that area, but so far there has been no progress on that scheme.
But Bing and Streetmap UK (which both offer OS mapping), and Google Maps, still show these two wharfs in position, as of 01.06.2013!
There was a plan to build a super-yacht marina in that area, but so far there has been no progress on that scheme.
08.10.2008: Cruise ship passengers have to wait outside the Docks entrance...
08.04.2008.
15.08.2009.
03.04.2008.
15.08.2009:
Foot of 'Falmouth Docks' |