I RECENTLY visited Falmouth Dockyard (A&P/Balaena), writes Cllr James Tucker (Conservative, Truro Tregolls), which has been one of the UK’s most strategically important maritime assets for over 500 years.

Today, around 60 per cent of its workload is Ministry of Defence (MoD) activity, with the remaining 40 per cent serving commercial shipping, cruise operators, ferries, superyachts, and offshore industries. This reflects Falmouth’s capability to support national defence while sustaining a diverse, highly-skilled maritime economy employing over 400 people.

The MoD relies on Falmouth for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of a significant portion of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) vessels along with HMS Scott and various Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). This work underpins the continuous defence of the British Isles and our territories abroad, ensuring vessels remain operational and ready for deployment.

To maintain this capability and provide facilities for offshore energy projects, “pocket dredging” is essential. Given only a handful of UK sites can match what Falmouth does, I would argue pocket dredging here is a core requirement for national security.

Beyond defence, Falmouth Dockyard supports a thriving commercial ecosystem: superyacht refits, P&O ferries, cruise vessels and a modern marina. The workforce is one of Cornwall’s most skilled industrial communities, with expertise transferable to offshore wind, drilling rigs, emergency response and marine engineering.

The dockyard also contributes to environmental goals through sending waste glass from Cornwall by sea in bulk for recycling in the North East. Berthed and docked vessels also take advantage of shore power, instead of running their on-board diesel generators.

It is clear the dockyard itself needs an overhaul, and it can be redeveloped in a way that strengthens national defence, supports commercial growth and restores the harbour’s ecological health. However, its strategic value is undeniable. Supporting MoD operations ensures both national defence resilience and the continued prosperity of Cornwall’s maritime economy.