The re-launch of Falmouth Pilotage Services does nothing to halt the drastic decline in commercial shipping that has hit the port during the past year with shipping numbers down by more than 20 per cent, writes David Barnicoat.

Financially, the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC) are in heavy weather due to the loss of trade and a £3 million deficit repayment plan, over a 16-year period, to the Pilots National Pension Fund. 

Duncan Paul, general manager of Falmouth Pilot Services, said: “Up until the end of August this year the reduced commercial shipping movements in and around Falmouth Harbour has resulted in a 21 per cent decrease in the income generated from vessels boarding and landing, compared to the same period last year.”

With the outstanding debt and the downturn in shipping, FHC is left with huge operating costs for its staff and pilot boats which is serviced by the pilot boarding and landing fees collected from visiting ships. The organisation also has many statutory duties to fulfill regardless of income.

In FHC’s May board minutes it was noted: “The board talked about the best use of resources and the possible replacement of one of the pilot boats with a more economical one.”

As the pilot boat LK Mitchell is now nearly 40 years old it is likely that she will be replaced if FHC want to make operating economies – as other ports around the UK have done in recent years. 

Mr Paul added: “The relaunched pilot service, Falmouth Pilot Services, aims to provide users with a more efficient and accessible service and the business will be reviewing its complete offering, including the operational fleet, to ensure the future viability of the entire service.”