Transformation of Cornish docks planned

Olivier Vergnault explains why the future looks bright for Falmouth's marine sector

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THE biggest large-scale investment in 70 years could completely transform Cornwall's premier cruise ships destination.

Falmouth Docks and Engineering Company (FDEC) has filed a planning application with both Cornwall Council and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to transform the town’s docks.

If approved, the work will see the demolition of some on-site buildings and the partial demolition of existing wharf structures. It would also include the construction of not just new wharf structures but a new area where floating wind power structures could be built, ahead of being towed out into the Celtic Sea, and host associated work with the high techonlogy marine renewable energy industry.

The huge £150 million proposal (PA25/01598) includes the extension of the existing Queen’s Wharf westwards to increase the length of operational deck available to allow the berthing of larger vessels along the Queen’s Wharf berth. This will allow the Excellence Class cruise ships of up to 345 metres (1,161 feet) in length, 42m (138ft) in width and with an 8.5m (28ft) draught to dock.

A new Floating Offshore Wind Energy (FLOW) deck is proposed on the western edge of the site. Its purpose would be to acquire an area which is able to assemble FLOW devices to support the marine and renewable energy sector. The scheme would involve what is known as ‘spot dredging’ to allow ships to dock next to the new facilities. It would not, however, involve dredging of the channel off Falmouth, which has been a contentious issue in the seaside town for many years.