Submitted by CE-Press on 17 September 2012 - 9:53am
Falmouth has long been keen to dredge which would allow the larger cruiseships (up to Freedom-class size) to come alongside at Queens Wharf. However there are environmental concerns connected with relocating the maerl (calcified seaweed) habitat which have put the Port of Falmouth Development Initiative on hold since the licensing authority, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), refused a licence in early 2011.
This month however a small-scale dredging trial will begin which is expected to take six months and cost the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners and Cornwall Council about £200,000 (E248,446).
The work will be carried out independently by Plymouth University’s Marine Institute and the trial licence has been granted by the MMO. The results will be a major factor in whether to allow the dredging of a deepwater channel into the docks.
Should the project get the green light, this will allow larger cruise ships to come alongside and hence negate the need to tender.
Falmouth harbour together with Carrick Roads forms the third deepest natural harbour in the world with the docks being a major contributor to the town’s economy.
The bunkering of vessels and the transfer of cargoes keeps the port’s facilities busy as does the shiprepair business. The proposed development initiative is seen as being key to the survival of the docks.
Source: cruiseeurope.com
