Harbour News July 2017
Marina
After a somewhat sluggish early season the Marina is now going like the proverbial fayre with “Marina Full” signs already being posted up on several occasions. It will therefore be interesting to see, come the end of this 2017 season, how it compares with the following statistical table – an entry in the Members Report for year ending 31st March 2017:
As indicated in last year’s report the Mallaig Marina Centre was officially opened on Saturday 16th April 2016 by Sir Cameron Mackintosh and located within the Centre are state of the art laundry, shower and toilet facilities as well as disabled and baby changing amenities all for use by patrons of the Marina.
Usage of the marina by visiting yachts was on a par with the previous year as the following statistical table would suggest:
Overnight
Occupancy Short Stay
2016 1482 43
2015 1481 29
2014 1503 33
2013 1338 81
In addition to the above a further 91 vessels made use of the marina moorings.
I list below some other items contained in the Members Report:
- Fish Pier Fendering Repairs
As reported last year an engineering inspection had identified problems with the fender system of the Fish Pier (originally constructed in 1971/72) and that urgent repair work was required to the lower walings, a number of the energy absorbing rubber elements at the head of the system, facing plates, replacement of five ladders, some lower ladder sections to be removed and replaced and the fitment of anodes.
Under the watchful eye of Harbour Engineers Wallace Stone, Contractor Gareloch Support Services completed all work by March 2017 at a total cost of £412,000.
- Waste Oil
Waste oil collection figures for the year ending 31st March 2017 were as follows (last year’s figures in brackets):-
Waste Oil: 22,200 litres (12,640 litres)
Oily Water/Sludge: 64,600 litres (39,350 litres)
- Wi-Fi
Wi-fi coverage at the port was increased in December 2016 when a signal was relayed from the Marina to the Outer Harbour. This provides wi-fi coverage throughout the harbour allowing seafarers connectivity to the internet, etc.
- Westbay Road
The Authority is still actively considering the construction of a road linking Westbay Industrial Estate to the existing Council owned Mallaig Industrial Estate. Talks, seeking Council input to the project, are currently ongoing.
Speed Limit On All Piers
To all Harbour Users
You will be aware that we have introduced new markings on the piers including the red lines, car parking spaces, yellow no parking lines and a passenger walkway (incorporating a dropped kerb at the rear of the Fish Market Restaurant) down Lovat Pier to the Western Isles Ticket Office.
The Authority has also placed in-situ traffic calming measures on Lovat Pier which seem to be working well.
The next step is the erection of signage stating the speed limit as 10mph throughout the harbour area.
We realise the pier/harbour is a working area with workers ever present. It also attracts visitors so these measures have been put in place to help ensure everyone’s safety.
Please note and more importantly, please observe, the speed limit of 10mph on all piers.
New Vessel
Here is the Annie E, the new 22 metre 1200hp workboat built for Morar’s Donald Ian McDonell approaching Mallaig Harbour on 10th June after its maiden voyage from Aalst, Holland where it was built by Neptune Marine at a cost of approx £3m.Harbour
The Annie E, which has a draught of 2.8 metres and an average speed of 7.4 knots, will complement Donald Ian’s existing workboat the Emma C.
The Mallaig Harbour Authority wish Donald Ian every success with his new venture.
Robert MacMillan
CEO
01687 462154
