Eyemouth Harbour Trust has completed a major £166,650 investment programme to modernise port infrastructure and improve environmental performance, supported by funding from the Scottish Government’s Marine Fund Scotland (MFS).
The works include the installation of two Seabin units, a new 500kg davit crane, and a major upgrade to metered power and water bollards across the harbour including installation of ‘Megamaster’ units. The project will cut waiting times for vessels, strengthen shore-side services for local and visiting fleets, and increase capacity to remove floating marine debris.
The Seabins have already transformed litter-collection capability. Previously, harbour staff recovered less than 1kg of floating litter per week having been restricted to gathering material washed onto the Harbour’s rock armour. However, since installation, the Seabins are collecting more than 10kg per week. Each unit traps debris, including microplastics as small as 2mm.
The most significant improvement for fishing fleet is a new 500kg crane, which compliments the existing 250kg unit. Positioned in the deepwater basin, it allows vessels to land 24 hours a day, avoiding the tidal restrictions that limit use of the inner-harbour crane. Depending on vessel size, tide and time of day, the harbour estimates that crews can save between one and five hours of waiting time per landing. The increased lifting capacity also allows for use by larger creel vessels.
Eyemouth Harbour has also overhauled its power and water infrastructure. In the inner harbour, the number of power connections has risen from 28 non-metered outlets to 72 metered outlets, while water connections have increased from 10 to 24. At Gunsgreen Basin, eight new metered water supplies have been installed and existing power bollards upgraded to provide connections capable of accommodating digital payment platforms.. All powered bollards now operate via a smart-card system, ensuring vessels only pay for the electricity and potable water they use.
Brendan Bates, Harbour Master at Eyemouth Harbour Trust, said: “This is a significant investment in the future of Eyemouth Harbour. It upgrades the core infrastructure that our fishing and leisure users rely on every day. By improving water quality, reducing waiting times and expanding access to shore power and water, we are strengthening Eyemouth’s position as a safe, efficient and sustainable working port. The benefits will be felt across the fleet, by visiting vessels and by the wider community for many years to come.”
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