Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC) has welcomed two new members of staff to the team. The appointments are for two new roles within the company; Maritime Sustainability Development Officer and Assistant Harbour Master.

The role of Maritime Sustainability Development Officer has been taken by Harriet Knowles, 23, from Plymouth. Harriet studied Environmental Science at the University of Plymouth and has a special interest in the maritime industry.

Harriet will work on behalf of FHC to develop a framework for sustainable port operation and development for Falmouth. The work will include research in to socio-economic and environmental issues within Falmouth Harbour.

Harriet said: “This is an important time for Falmouth Port, with the findings of the EIA having been released recently. This will certainly be a challenging role, but also very rewarding.

“I am very pleased to be able to play a role in the future of the harbour. I hope to be able to create something that gives the commissioners a clear steer on how best to operate the port within sustainable and environmental constraints.”

The role has been developed as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with University of Plymouth. The partnership combines the knowledge and expertise from the University of Plymouth along with the appointment of a recently qualified graduate (known as the KTP Associate) who works within the organisation on a strategic project, jointly supervised. The three year project is joint-funded by KTP and Falmouth Harbour Commissioners.

The second appointment is for an Assistant Harbour Master. William Davies, 33, from Calstock takes on this role. William has 10 years experience in the shipping industry having worked for the Royal Navy Reserve (RNR) and Devonport Management Ltd (DML) in the past.

William’s role will involve working with leisure and business users to ensure they operate safely within the harbour, he will also be monitoring the level of harbour traffic and any pollution incidents. William will be working with the team at FHC on planning emergency exercises and emergency procedures.

William said: “It’s great to be able to work in Falmouth. The harbour and port are really bustling places with both business and leisure users, I am sure there will be plenty to keep me busy.”

Falmouth Harbour Master, Captain Mark Sansom added: “We are delighted to welcome Harriet and Will to our team. I am confident that they will both be great assets to FHC.”