Five strategic objectives for the Port of Poole were outlined at Poole Harbour Commissioner’s 23rd annual stakeholders open evening.

Jim Stewart, who steps down as Chief Executive at the end of this month, said the Masterplan update – a refresh of the 2013 Masterplan – covered the next 20 years.

The port’s ambitious vision includes:

• Be the UK’s number one marine leisure location.
• Maximise the port estate potential.
• Become a leading green port.
• Promote opportunities from the South Quay deepwater facility.
• Optimise RoRo ferry potential.

Mr Stewart also gave the audience an overview of achievements at the port in the 20 years that he has been PHC’s CEO.

Captain Brian Murphy, his successor as CEO and the current Harbour Master and Marine & Port Director, pictured, provided an update on the response to the Perenco oil pollution incident.

He summarised and detailed the operation including the statutory duty, initial response, pipeline release site, recovery operations, regulatory collaboration, progress and remediation and response statistics.

Guest speaker, Ruth Barden from Wessex Water, gave an informative presentation on the assets and water quality in Poole Harbour.

It covered water quality forecasting and some of the collaborative projects being run including:

• Year-round bathing water sampling at Boscombe Pier, Bournemouth Pier and Avon Beach.
• Development of Poole Harbour real time water quality notification system.
• Ongoing work with Litter Free Dorset.
• Update on Wessex Water’s investment plans, including increasing storm storage capacity at Holdenhurst.

Around 150 people attended the stakeholders open evening which was held at PHC’s North Lounge venue.

PHC’s Chairman, Lee Hardy OBE, pictured, opened the evening and welcomed attendees.

The harbour commissioners have been holding the event for 23 years and finds it a valuable way to engage with local communities and stakeholders.

The evening ended with networking and refreshments and the PHC Chair’s Award.

It was presented to Oliver Hale for his many fantastic achievements sailing with Poole Yacht Club.

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First cruise ship of 2023 season welcomed in port

The Port of Poole has welcomed its first cruise ship of the season.

MV Corinthian is owned and operated by GCCL – Grand Circle Cruise Line.

The 88-metre long vessel can carry 98 passengers and 60 crew.

MV Corinthian. at the Port of Poole. Picture: Pete Doherty.

The ship was built in 1990 and refurbished in 2015.

Guests came into Poole in the early hours and split into groups with excursions to Abbotsbury Swannery, Corfe Castle, Swanage, Sandbanks, Bournemouth and Poole.