Why removing Compton Castle paddle steamer will cost so much

Cornwall Harbours Board is due to approve plans this week to dispose of the Compton Castle which has deteriorated in recent years at its berth on Lemon Quay and has recently become home to rough sleepers with evidence of antisocial behaviour on-board.

Since 2020 the vessel’s condition has deteriorated significantly and in May 2023 it sank at its mooring. It was subsequently re-floated and temporary repairs were made by the owner, who has not paid rent for a year. The harbours board is seeking match funding from the Truro Town Deal Board to have the boat dismantled and removed.

The Compton Castle pictured last month. It has now become home to rough sleepers (Image: LDR)

A report by the Harbours Board, for a meeting at Cornwall Council on Thursday (March 14), states: “Following the sinking, the maritime management team, with legal support, have engaged with the owner to seek that it is either returned to a serviceable condition, agreeable to the harbour authority, or to commence the process to remove the vessel from the harbour. The rent account has been on hold since March 2023 and in September the lease for the shore infrastructure was terminated. We continue to negotiate a settlement for the outstanding debts on the customer’s account and the site has been secured.”

The area adjacent to the boat on Lemon Quay is the subject of Truro Town Deal investment and “the opportunity is available to work with the Town Deal to realise the site’s potential”. A business case is being prepared but initial discussions with the board’s chairman have indicated support would be forthcoming to support Cornwall Harbours Board in the vessel’s disposal. This would reduce pressure on the Port of Truro reserve account, most of which is earmarked for other projects within the port.

The Compton Castle pictured in May 2023 when it sank (Image: Port of Truro)

The report adds: “Disposal quotations from a waste contractor have been obtained. The vessel can be broken in its current position and the cost is expected to be £200,000. It is proposed to fund £100,000 from the Port of Truro Reserve and the remainder will be sought from match funding with Truro Town Deal Board to expedite the disposal.”

The council has now stated the £200,000 removal of the Compton Castle will be a “complex operation” that must be carried out in accordance with Environment Agency conditions, as detailed in the Disposal of End-of-Life Vessels: Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Position Statement, which was issued in May 2021 (https://www.cornwallharbours.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Environmental-Management-System-Issue-1-March-2021.pdf).

This includes having: An Environmental Agency ship breaking permit A ship recycling and disposal plan An asbestos survey A hazardous materials survey A hazardous coatings survey (paints and anti-foulings) An oils and fuels survey All waste generated during disposal will be transported as hazardous waste and will be taken to a licensed disposal site.

A council spokesperson said: “We currently have a disposal quote but have not awarded any contract.”

The Compton Castle was built in 1914 by Cox & Co of Falmouth for the River Dart Steamboat Company. In the Second World War she was requisitioned as a naval ammunition carrier on the River Dart. Her peacetime sailings on the Dart resumed in 1947 and continued until 1962. In 1964 she was sold to Baume & Woods of Kingsbridge and restored for use as a teashop and museum.

Since 1982 she has been moored at Lemon Quay, Truro, serving a number of static roles including a restaurant, music venue and, most recently, a floating café.