As we come to the end of another busy year at Cattewater Harbour we wanted to highlight some of our achievements in 2025. As always none of this would be possible without the support of the Chair, Commissioners, marine team and our port stakeholders.
Throughout 2025 we have:
- Completed nearly 1,000 pilotage moves completed during the year.
- Facilitated over 2 million tonnes of cargo (imported and exported) through the Port.
- Welcomed 15 cruise ship calls, including new visitors to Plymouth, such as Norwegian Cruise Line and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, plus continued superyacht, heritage, and leisure vessel visits.
- Seen approximately 13,000 cruise passengers welcomed ashore, supported by the Mayflower Pontoon and Barbican Landing Stage facilities. This generated ~ £1.3million in additional economic spend to the city.
- Facilitated Hebridean Princess to become the first cruise vessel to berth alongside the Barbican Landing Stage in July 2025.
- Represented the harbour at BoatFest, showcasing our harbour fleet; hosted our first Cattewater Harbour Open Day, showcasing what we do in the commercial port; sponsored the Devon Mind Harbour Run; and sponsored the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On.
- Supported hundreds of children and young people through school and career visits via our ongoing relationship with PCIP and wider engagement with local schools.
- Represented the harbour locally, nationally, and internationally at events at Westminster, Trinity House for Women in Ports and overseas cruise events.
- Recruited new team members, celebrated long-serving staff retirements, and supported local jobs and the wider economy, with each port role sustaining a further 6.35 indirect jobs across other marine sectors (BPA).
- Completed a major refit and re-power on our long-serving pilot vessel Maker, returning to service with enhanced safety features, cleaner and more efficient engines, and full compliance with the Workboat Code edition 3, supporting safer, more sustainable harbour operations for years to come.
- Supported ACUA Ocean’s hydrogen-powered USV PIONEER to achieve a world first by completing a continuous 24-hour, zero-emissions offshore operation from Turnchapel Wharf. Setting a new global benchmark for clean maritime innovation and autonomous operations in Plymouth, alongside providing other autonomous vessel support.
- Launched a new Sustainability Strategy, reinforcing long-term environmental commitments.
- Appointed a new Chair and Commissioners, supporting strong leadership and governance.
- Welcomed Fugro Frontier alongside the Barbican Landing Stage and to celebrate Plymouth-based Fugro’s 10-year anniversary, acknowledging their global leadership in marine autonomy and training, including MCA-recognised USV Remote Operator courses delivered from Turnchapel Wharf, the UK’s home of maritime autonomy.
2026 is shaping up to be another productive year across the harbour, both on and off the water, and we look forward to sharing more exciting details and plans with you in the new year.
Wishing you a safe and happy festive season from all of us at Cattewater Harbour.
