On Wednesday, 7th August, 2024, Cattewater Harbour Commissioners (CHC) will celebrate 150 years since their constitution under The Pier and Harbour Orders Confirmation Act, of 1874.
Safety, efficiency, and sustainability
Since then, CHC has been dedicated to ensuring the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of Cattewater Harbour while supporting the economic growth of Plymouth and the wider South West region.
Through strategic planning, investment, and collaboration, the Commissioners have transformed the Trust Port of Cattewater Harbour into a thriving hub for trade, leisure, and commercial activities.
Testament of dedication
Alan Nichols, Chair of Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, said, "We are immensely proud to reach this significant anniversary. 150 years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Commissioners and harbour staff, past and present. We look forward to continuing our commitment to the Harbour and the region for many years."
Construct, maintain, and regulate
The Commissioners were set up by statute to construct, maintain and regulate a breakwater on ‘the Batten Reef rocks at the entrance to the Cattewater in the port of Plymouth, and of approach roads to it, and the harbour of Cattewater, in the County of Devon’ – the Mount Batten Breakwater as they know it still was completed in 1881.
Other significant memories and milestones throughout the past 150 years include:
- The construction of Cattedown Wharf in 1884 by Burnard and Alger.
- In 1898 Turnchapel Wharf was established.
- Queen Anne’s Battery was requisitioned for use by the US Navy during World War II (it was decommissioned on 30 August 1945).
- In 1972 the Cattewater Wreck was found and is the number one wreck designated under The Protection of Wrecks Act.
- In 1988 The Pilotage Act followed by the Cattewater Harbour (Pilotage) Revision Order gave Commissioners added responsibility as pilotage authority on behalf of all three civil Plymouth harbour authorities – this continues to this day.
Supporting marine leisure
Captain Richard Allan, CEO and Harbour Master, Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, said "Cattewater Harbour is a vital economic asset for Plymouth, handling over 2 million tonnes of cargo per year, supporting marine leisure activities, contributing to the city’s tourism industry as an integral member of the Cruise Plymouth partnership and providing opportunities for visitors to berth directly in the heart of the city via the Barbican Landing Stage."
He adds, "We work with local community groups and schools to ensure the message about a career in maritime is relatable and explain that the work we do here in the Harbour, as part of the wider shipping industry, is at the heart of each of ours everyday lives – shipping does make the world go round."
Green opportunities
Commissioners are currently undertaking a strategic review of current and future port operations
Captain Richard Allan continues, "We continue to invest in infrastructure, innovation, and support cleaner, greener opportunities to ensure Cattewater Harbour’s continued success for the next 150 years."
Coinciding with this important anniversary, the Commissioners are currently undertaking a strategic review of current and future port operations, activities, and developments.
A public consultation on the Harbour’s Masterplan overview for stakeholders to consider, and contribute to proposals, is currently open, closing on 31st August 2024.
Anniversary book
As part of their commemorative celebrations, CHC recently held an anniversary dinner at The Box, and later there will be a celebratory cruise onboard the famous paddle steamer The Waverley which will be making a special visit to the city.
In collaboration with Compass Publications, an Anniversary book has been created to mark the Commissioners’ 150 years – copies can be obtained from the Harbour Office.
