12 May 2026
Falmouth Harbour has reinforced its position as one of the UK’s leading deep-water ports with a £50,000 investment in new high-capacity mooring buoys, designed to support the evolving needs of superyachts and large commercial vessels.
The new “self-fendering” Caldy and Frigate buoys have replaced the post-WW2 steel Admiralty buoys which have reached the end of their operational life.
The investment forms part of an ongoing programme to modernise harbour infrastructure and respond to increasing demand from larger visiting vessels – which bring substantial additional revenue to the harbour and indirect economic benefit to the local marine sector and community.
The 3x2m buoys with a buoyancy of 7000kg are designed and built by Plymouth-based specialists AIS Marine – and unlike their steel predecessors they absorb impacts, leaving both buoys and vessels undamaged should they come into contact.
The old post-WW2 Admiralty steel mooring buoys have reached the end of their operational life. 📸 credit: Falmouth Harbour
Falmouth has always been a natural haven for large vessels. This investment builds on that strength, providing modern, high-capacity moorings that meet the expectations of today’s operators while retaining the flexibility and ease of access that sets the Harbour apart.
Miles Carden CEO at Falmouth Harbour
Strategically positioned within Falmouth’s deep, naturally sheltered waters, the new moorings, installed by Seawide Services, are engineered to accommodate larger vessels which prefer a safe, flexible alternative to berthing alongside. They are particularly suited to superyachts and commercial operators seeking efficient turnaround with minimal constraint.
We’re pleased to support Falmouth Harbour with this investment in modern mooring infrastructure. Our buoy systems are designed to deliver reliable performance in high-load environments. A key advantage is the minimal maintenance required compared to their traditional steel counterparts - and maximal flexibility they offer for port operators and vessel owners alike.
Tim Phillips
The new “self-fendering”, low-maintenance Frigate and Caldy Buoys fit the requirements of large commercial vessels and superyachts which visit Falmouth
📸 credit: Falmouth Harbour.
The introduction of the new mooring buoys in Falmouth has been very well received by the Superyachts we have sent there so far this year. With the switch from steel to the new design buoys there is a far lower chance of any damage to the vessels using them – which means Captains and their crews feel more comfortable using the moorings. As always the team at Falmouth Harbour are on hand to support visiting yachts and provide their usual exceptional levels of service for which we and our clients are very grateful.
Mark Upton
The large-vessel mooring buoys are designed and built by Plymouth-based specialists AIS Marine and installed by Seawide Services. 📸 credit: Falmouth Harbour
AIS Ltd, with its Marine division’s Plymouth-based factory, is a globally recognised manufacturer of marine protection and buoyancy systems. AIS Marine specialises in high-performance mooring buoys, fendering and navigation aids, with products deployed across ports, offshore energy projects and commercial marine operations worldwide.
Falmouth Harbour - as the UK’s gateway to the Atlantic Ocean - is a safe haven with deep-water access, minimal tidal restrictions and a vibrant town which offers a huge amount for visiting vessels - including the famous Chain Locker pub that has been welcoming seafarers for centuries.
For more information on the work of Falmouth Harbour’s including its commercial, leisure and wide-ranging environmental initiatives visit https://www.falmouthharbour.co.uk/ or call the team on 01326 213537.