Balaena, the statutory harbour authority for Falmouth Docks, said the proposed dredging forms part of a long-term infrastructure programme developed over seven years to secure the port’s future. "As the statutory Harbour Authority for Falmouth Docks, we have a legal responsibility to maintain and develop the port's infrastructure while ensuring the safe navigation of vessels serving Cornwall," he said. He added that the planned works involve "targeted pocket dredging" around dock berths, rather than large-scale dredging across the wider estuary. He added that dredging is a routine process at ports across the UK, necessary to maintain safe navigation and operational capacity. The wider redevelopment aims to modernise infrastructure at Falmouth Docks, helping to safeguard jobs, create apprenticeships, and support businesses across Cornwall and the South West.