High-tech dredger arrives to aid revamp of town’s marina
A STATE-OF-THE-ART dredger has arrived at Burry Port as part of plans to revamp the marina and its boating facilities.
The dredger was trialled at sea off Cardiff over the summer and is now ready to start work for the Marine Group which is behind the marina improvements.
One of their main priorities is the marina dredging and improving its services by installing boat lifting equipment, installing diesel fuelling points as well as upgrading the pontoons.
There are also plans to sympathetically convert the former RNLI building with an emphasis on preserving its historical and cultural importance.
Local county councillors for Burry Port John James and Amanda Fox have welcomed the dredger’s arrival and said: “The arrival of the dredger is fantastic news and a great boost for the harbour and Burry Port at a time when good news is in short supply.
“Initially, the new dredger will continue with operational trials but eventually will be able to remove up to 450 cubic meters of material per hour.
“As previously stated, the capital costs are greater than initially anticipated but are manageable, with Carmarthenshire Council investing in the project as well as the income generated from the demand for its use by third market parties, but Burry Port Harbour will be its priority.”
The councillors added: “There’s isn’t any getting away from the fact that the harbour is in a dreadful state and has been for a good while.
“We strongly believe this is the best chance we’ll ever have of recreating Burry Port Harbour’s past glories of being a popular, vibrant place to be.”