In 2025, Cardiff Harbour Authority proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary. A milestone that honours a quarter-century of dedicated stewardship over one of Wales’ most iconic waterfronts.
Since its inception, the Harbour Authority has played a vital role in transforming Cardiff Bay into a vibrant hub of culture, ecology and leisure.
This anniversary is more than a celebration of operational excellence. It is an opportunity to reflect on the work and people that have shaped the Bay’s identity.
Associated British Ports and Cardiff Council
A historic, aerial view of Cardiff Docklands, capturing the industrial heart of the city during its maritime peak – ships, warehouses and a complex network of docks that once made Cardiff one of the world’s busiest ports.
Cardiff Harbour Authority
An early stage of the Barrage’s construction, featuring heavy plant machinery and lorries, navigating mud and rock. The scale of the project was immense, involving 135,000 tonnes of concrete, 250,000 tonnes of rock armour, 1.7 million tonnes of sand, and 2 million tonnes of dredged silt.
Cardiff Harbour Authority
A glimpse of the Barrage under construction by the Cardiff Bay Development Corporation – a monumental project that transformed the waterfront and shaped the future of the Bay.
Visit Wales
Now a lively waterfront shaped by the Cardiff Bay Barrage development and regeneration, the area, managed by Harbour Authority staff, thrives as a place for people, environmental stewardship and navigation.
Exhibition
Through our ‘Behind the Bay’ exhibition, we are championing the importance of sharing our collective work through the eyes of our staff.
View exhibition photos and find out about the role of our teams.
All photographs were taken by Nick Pumphrey, unless otherwise stated.
This team ensures the safety of navigation for all vessels within the:
- Inland Bay,
- Outer Harbour, and
- the rivers Taff and Ely.
This includes maintaining navigational aids, enforcing byelaws, and working closely with emergency services.
The team has supported the development of public amenities, including pontoons, slipways and moorings, enabling a wide range of recreational activities.
Three boatmasters and five marine operatives work on a daily basis to help keep the Bay water clear of rubbish and debris, and collect an average of 500 tonnes per year.
The Environment Quay is managed by Quay Supervisor, Dave, who ensures the safe management and segregation of waste, along with other activities.
Tim, Deputy Harbourmaster, onboard Harbour Patrol, talking to Barrage Control via VHF.
Harbour Patrol preparing an alongside tow to assist a broken-down yacht.
Harbourmaster, Andrew, on patrol in the Bay.
Harbour 1 in action on the River Taff, retrieving debris from a boom to keep the waterway clear all year round.
The crew aboard Harbour 1 transporting full skip barges back to the Environment Quay from a debris boom, ensuring the Bay remains clean and navigable.
Our skilled Quay Supervisor, Dave, oversees daily operations at the Environment Quay with precision and dedication. With safety as his top priority, he ensures everything runs smoothly.
Dave manoeuvring a mechanical arm with precision, offloading debris-packed skips brought in by Harbour 1.
The Harbour Marine team hard at work, jetwashing the Inner Harbour pontoons – keeping the waterfront clean, safe and ready for visitors.
The Marine team beginning early inspections and operations at the Inner Harbour pontoons before the Bay is bustling with visitors.
Cardiff Harbour 2 in action during an annual buoyage maintenance and inspection, to ensure safe navigation within the Harbour.
Boatmaster, Annie, expertly leads a crew of marine operatives, who work tirelessly in all weather conditions to keep the Bay safe and clear of debris.
Tommy, one of our marine operatives, works in a dedicated team that patrols the Bay, jetwashes the Inner Harbour pontoons, and keeps the water clean by clearing litter from the booms.
The Marine team on Cardiff Harbour 2, carrying out cleaning operations at Barrage South waterbus stop, ready for use by commercial boat operators and their passengers.
Building Management at Cardiff Harbour Authority is overseen by Phil, an experienced building surveyor, who plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of the authority’s properties.
Phil is responsible for making sure our buildings meet rigorous safety and environmental standards. His duties include:
- conducting regular inspections,
- co-ordinating maintenance and repair works,
- managing compliance with health and safety regulations, and
- implementing asset renewal initiatives.
He also liaises with contractors to make sure all projects are delivered efficiently and to a high standard. Phil’s expertise ensures that the buildings remain safe, operational and fit-for-purpose, supporting our day-to-day operations.
Building Management at Cardiff Harbour Authority is overseen by Phil, an experienced
Building Surveyor, who plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of the Authority’s properties.
Phil is responsible for ensuring that our buildings meet rigorous safety and environmental standards. His duties include:
- conducting regular inspections,
- co-ordinating maintenance and repair works,
- managing compliance with health and safety regulations, and
- implementing asset renewal initiatives.
He also liaises with contractors to make sure all projects are delivered efficiently and to a high standard. Phil’s expertise ensures that the buildings remain safe, operational and fit-for-purpose, supporting our day-to-day operations.
