Commercial Overview
Falmouth Harbour is a statutory port authority with responsibility for the Inner Harbour at Falmouth (excluding Falmouth Docks), the Penryn River up as far as Coastlines Wharf, the southern part of the Carrick Roads and a large part of Falmouth Bay.
There are a number of ports within the Fal Estuary which between them offer a wide range of services to the commercial shipping, fishing and leisure sectors.
A wide range of services
As the third deepest natural Harbour in the world, Falmouth’s unique geography and position as the UK’s Atlantic Gateway, makes it a highly valuable port for a range of operators.
Falmouth Bay is the only bunker anchorage in the UK that is outside of the Northern European SECA area.
Due to Falmouth’s location and level of vessel traffic, operators can often enjoy a quick and efficient turnaround, reducing vessel downtime and costs.
Alongside berths for ship repair, refit, cruise calls, lay by and cargo handling are available at the shipyard operated by A&P Falmouth Ltd
Berths are available for vessels up to 230m and 8.4m draft.
The shipyard can is equipped with dry dock facilities for vessels up to 250m.
The Harbour area is equipped with a number of Commercial moorings capable of accommodating a range of vessels up to 190m LOA. View details of commercial moorings.
The area can cater for a truly diverse range of vessels and offers a complete range of services to the shipping industry including:
- Deep water bunkering.
- Cruise calls.
- Ship repair, refit and dry docking facilities via A&P Falmouth.
- Long and short term lay up.
- Cargo handling.
- Casualty reception.
- Anchorages for vessels seeking shelter.
- Personnel transfer, stores and other port services.
- In water surveys.
- Propellor polishing.
- Superyacht berthing, repair and refit.
- Deepwater moorings for vessels up to 180m and 10.5m draft.
Safe Anchorages
Falmouth Bay is a large, deepwater anchorage, with year round shelter from the prevailing westerly winds and capable of accommodating the largest ships in the world.
The anchorages of the Carrick Roads can accommodate vessels up to 183m LOA on a running moor whilst smaller vessels can utilise the Falmouth Bank anchorage for ease of access to the ports facilities and the town.
Falmouth’s anchorages are ideally suited for vessels taking bunkers, awaiting orders, seeking shelter or undertaking stores, crew changes and other service calls.
Bunkering
Falmouth is a long established bunker supply port known for quick turnarounds and minimal delays.
The Eastern Jetty and fuel terminal provide the UK’s most western outpost for deep water bunkering.
Ship Repair Facilities
Ship repair facilities are available at the shipyard operated by A&P Falmouth Ltd www.ap-group.co.uk, which offers a complete package of support ranging from in-service repairs and overhauls to specialist repair capabilities such as aluminium welding and in-situ machining.
Cargo Handling
The area has several options for handling a range of cargoes including dry and project cargoes at A&P Falmouth, Lighterage Quay in the Port of Truro and the export of Cornish stone from Porthoustock Quarry on the Lizard Peninsular.
In Water Services
Falmouth’s anchorages are the ideal location for in water services including underwater surveys and dive inspections.
Dive teams benefit from excellent visibility, good shelter and minimal current leading to efficient turnarounds and reduced down time for vessels.
Propeller polishing may be permitted following consultation with the Harbour Office.
Deepwater
The area is famed for it’s sheltered, deep water and geography which has made the port what it is today. Whilst the bay can comfortably accommodate the largest and deepest ships in the world, the Carrick Roads boasts a natural deepwater channel with depths in excess of 30m in places.
The channel extends upwards through the River Fal, enabling the unique positioning the Port of Truro’s lay-up moorings, suitable for vessels up to 219 metres in length, in almost complete shelter.
Permissions and notifications related to ship operations
In line with UK legislation, permission must be given from the Harbour Authority for certain activities to be undertaken. Other activities require notice to be given in advance.
- Seek approval to undertake hot work in accordance with Dangerous Goods in Harbour Areas Regulations 2016.
- Seek approval to load, discharge or tranship explosives, by completing form 30-050-01.
- Seek approval to tranship other dangerous or polluting goods.
- Seek approval to deliver bunkers within FHC port limits.
- Give notice of your intention to transfer oil or oil products at night.
- Seek approval to undertake hull or propeller cleaning.
Statutory Reporting
Under UK Law it is compulsory to report certain incidents and accidents.
Find out how to report a spillage of oil, fire or other emergency.
Report an accident or near miss in accordance with the EU Accident Reporting Regulations.
