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.
Phil undertaking statutory building checks.
Phil discussing the Harbour’s building portfolio with Natalie Taylor, Team Leader for Community Liaison.
Assessing faults on air handling units.
Testing a fire alarm call point.
Meet the team behind some of Cardiff Bay’s most vibrant and engaging public experiences!
Visionaries behind attractions, such as the fascinating Captain Scott outdoor exhibition and whimsical Enormous Crocodile sculpture and Book Bench, their creative touch brings the Bay’s stories to life.
They also mapped out the scenic 10km Cardiff Bay Trail for walkers and cyclists; champion water safety in schools with the thought-provoking play, Just Jump; and promote immersive heritage tours that uncover the Bay’s rich past.
Connecting with thousands of people through dynamic social media and visitor campaigns, marketing and on-the-ground initiatives, this team
is at the heart of making the Bay a place to explore, learn and enjoy.
Team Leader, Natalie, brings history to life at the Scott Exhibition on Cardiff Bay Barrage – sharing tales of Antarctic adventures with curious young explorers, all captured during a Visit Cardiff photoshoot.
Meet the paws-itively wild, tiger-striped Snowdog, sponsored by Cardiff Harbour Authority’s Community Liaison team. ‘That Snow Tiger’ was part of the Snowdog Tails in Wales Trail that brought a splash of colour and whole lot of bark to the Bay!
A powerful moment from Just Jump – a dynamic collaboration between the Harbour Authority and Theatr na nÓg, designed to engage young audiences with vital water safety messages through storytelling, music and theatre.
A festive scene from the Cardiff Bay Snow Trail – a seasonal experience created by the Community Liaison team, in partnership with the Waterfront Partners, to delight visitors of all ages and bring a touch of winter magic to the Bay.
Supported by the Harbour Authority and Arts & Business Cymru, Lighthouse Theatre’s award-winning performance tours take participants on a light-hearted, 3,000-year voyage through the Bay’s fascinating history via stories, slapstick, pop
hits and a sea shanty.
Mining the Bay: where art meets science. From stunning sea glass and salmon fish scales to the hidden beauty of sea salt crystals and coal dust, this captivating display offers a microscopic glimpse into the Bay.
A striking sculpture on Cardiff Bay Barrage, Radio Flat Holm invites visitors to tune in to the island’s story through this National Lottery Heritage Fund project, uniting the artist, sculptor, Flat Holm and Harbour Authority team.
Young Roald Dahl fans take a break on the book bench celebrating The Enormous Crocodile, part of the famous author’s centenary installation on the Barrage.
Since 2000, the groundwater team at Cardiff Harbour Authority has played a crucial role in monitoring and controlling groundwater levels
and managing the Property Protection Scheme (PPS).
The PPS has now come to an end and there are only two remaining groundwater monitoring sites at Merches Gardens and the Principality Stadium, which Groundwater Manager, Phil, is responsible for.
Phil, Groundwater Manager, accessing a data monitoring borehole in Merches Gardens.
Preparing the groundwater monitoring data transfer cable for a download.
Downloading data from the borehole to a mobile phone.
Measuring the water levels in the borehole.
Cardiff Harbour Authority’s Environment team is pivotal to the environmental management of the 200-hectare freshwater Bay.
It monitors water quality at nine locations, tracking parameters such as oxygen levels, salinity, temperature and pH – collecting over 12 million data records to date, and publishing daily predictions.
The team also delivers educational sessions; manages green spaces, including Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve and riverbanks; and oversees
pest control.
Conservation efforts include tackling invasive species, supporting biodiversity, monitoring the fish pass to support river habitats
and providing emergency environmental response cover.
Steve cordoning off the area near the boardwalk as a safety precaution, due to a predicted water level rise.
Back to nature on the Barrage: David carrying out an inspection at the Tiny Forest
David getting ready for a pond-dipping session with a local primary school; part of our engaging educational programme, designed to connect children with nature
and local biodiversity at Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve.
David and Steve servicing a mosquito trap located on the Barrage, as part of the collaborative Nationwide Mosquito Programme.
Steve (third from right) works with a number of voluntary groups. Here, he joined forces with Mermaid Quay staff to pick litter along the Barrage, helping to keep the area clean and welcoming for all visitors.
A typical day at work in the Bay: Tim and Jim.
Tim and Dave recovering a sonde.
Dave preparing water sample bottles in the laboratory.
Dave and Tim cleaning a sonde (water quality instrument).
The boat in action.
Tim taking to the water.
Under a rainbow: the Cardiff Surveyor boat setting off.
Mooring the boat at the Environment Quay with Tim, Dave, and Jim at the helm.
Tim and Jim at the in-house laboratory.
A multiparameter instrument controller, used for monitoring water quality.
We proudly support the development of future talent through our apprenticeship programmes.
Apprentices play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of Cardiff Harbour Authority, gaining hands-on experience across a range of disciplines, including digital marketing, business administration and engineering.
Under the guidance of experienced mentors, apprentices build practical skills, contribute to meaningful projects and develop a strong foundation for their future careers.
Nurturing new talent reflects the Authority’s long-term vision for business continuity, innovation and community engagement.
Jess (left), a former Business Administration Apprentice, now plays a key role as part of our administration team.
Ishmael and Adrian (left and right) are developing their skills through Business Administration apprenticeships, supporting essential office functions and learning the
inner workings of public sector operations.
Izzy and Ellie are currently undertaking Digital Marketing apprenticeships, helping to enhance the
Authority’s online presence and external collaboration.
Responsible for overseeing the Cardiff Bay area, Cardiff Harbour Authority’s experienced Project Engineer, Chris, plays a crucial role in the management and maintenance of its public realm.
This includes the upkeep of the iconic water tower, public amenities, and key infrastructure, such as Roald Dahl Plass. In addition to these responsibilities, Chris also carries out visual inspections on site to ensure that areas are safe, accessible and welcoming for visitors.
Through proactive maintenance, asset planning and a practical approach to public safety, he supports the smooth operation of Harbour activities, while enhancing the Bay experience for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
Engineer, Chris, inside the underground Water Tower plant room in Roald Dahl Plass, carrying out the Inner Harbour electric and lighting maintenance check.
Inside the tower, conducting a maintenance inspection of the structure.
What a view! Standing at the top of the tower.
Roald Dahl Plass and the Inner Harbour, which are both on Chris’ maintenance checklist.
In the early 2000s, the Contracts Engineering team delivered various projects, including:
- The Barrage link path to the Bay
- The refurbishment of Roald Dahl Plass
- Waterbus stops, the Environment Building and Quay
- The Pont y Werin bridge scheme
- The boat storage building at Channel View Leisure Centre
- Cardiff International White Water
- Alexandra Head event area
In recent years, Project Engineer, Chris, has led the successful replacement of the Inner Harbour boardwalk, revitalising a key public space in the
Bay.
He also oversees critical dredging operations in the Outer Harbour and Approach Channel – an essential task that ensures safe navigation and
complies with the Cardiff Bay Barrage Act.
The team certainly made a splash when they expertly managed the contract for the construction of the world-class facility, Cardiff International White Water.
Bridging communities: The Contracts team successfully managed the construction of Pont y Werin, a key pedestrian and cycle bridge linking Cardiff Bay to Penarth. Its work helped enhance connectivity and promote sustainable travel across the region.
Maintaining safe passage: Twice a year, Project Engineer, Chris, manages the contract to dredge the Outer Harbour to remove built-up sediment and ensure vessels can navigate
safely and efficiently all year round.
The Roald Dahl Plass lit up at night.
The 15-member Barrage Control team works around the clock to oversee the connection between the freshwater Bay and tidal Bristol
Channel. Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, it manages the Barrage’s three locks, ensuring that boats can pass safely and water levels are stable.
From its vantage point in Barrage Control, the team continuously monitors tidal conditions, adjusting the Barrage gates to prevent flooding
and maintain water levels. It also regulates the sluice gates to release excess water, protecting surrounding infrastructure.
Chris, Barrage Manager, leads the engineering and control teams responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of the Cardiff Bay Barrage. His role includes ensuring the barrage remains fully operational and compliant with the Cardiff
Bay Barrage Act 1993.
The operational team ensures that all locking operations are carried out safely using visual and CCTV images.
The sluice operation is a critical process. The team interprets flow data from the rivers Ely and Taff; decisions are then made on the sluice opening configurations
needed to maintain the Bay level.
VHF and handheld radios are used to communicate with vessels and staff, guide the use of the correct locks, and assist during incidents on the water.
This network of galleries underneath the Barrage houses the power, services, communication.
The Barrage Control team monitors operations from the control room as the Lock bridges on Cardiff Barrage are safely lifted, allowing vessels to pass between Cardiff Bay and the Bristol Channel.
The three locks allow access for vessels at all states of tide. A complex system of level controllers ensures vessels can access the Barrage safely.
Vigilance 24/7: the Barrage Control team keeps Cardiff Harbour moving, even through the night.
Meet the powerhouse behind the Barrage – a tight-knit team of five expert engineers, led by a seasoned Principal Engineer. With two electrical and three mechanical specialists, each brings years of hands-on experience in heavy
engineering to the table.
From meticulous routine checks to precision-planned maintenance, the Barrage Engineering team is always on the move. They’re the first responders to any technical hiccup, operating a round-the-clock, 365-day standby system
to ensure that everything flows smoothly.
Whether it’s scheduled upgrades or unexpected breakdowns, this team is always ready to spring into action and keep the heart of the Barrage
beating strongly.
Gareth, Principal Engineer, manages the Barrage engineering team and all maintenance activities.
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Richard, completing some fabrication in the mechanical engineering workshop.
Kearan and Callum, Mechanical Engineers, preparing for some works
Kearan carrying out essential annual inspection and maintenance on the sluice gates, after they’ve been stop beamed and drained. These critical structures manage the Bay levels and protect against tidal forces.
Senior Electrical Engineer, Mike, inspecting an electrical sub-station at Barrage Control.
Kearan and Callum inspecting the hydraulics inside one of the sluice huts.
The sluice huts, which house and protect the hydraulics for the sluice gates.
Mike in the low voltage switch room.
Caring for Flat Holm Island is no small feat – it takes a dedicated and diverse team to protect its unique environment and heritage.
At the centre of this effort is the Island Warden team that protects Flat Holm’s wildlife and maintains historic structures like the Victorian barracks and wartime bunkers.
Volunteers play a vital role, too, assisting with habitat management, guided tours, and day-to-day upkeep, while a dedicated, Cardiff-based support team works behind-the-scenes to help keep the island running smoothly.
This passionate team ensures that Flat Holm remains not only a sanctuary for wildlife, but also a place where people can connect with nature and history.
Visitors of all ages heading to the historic farmhouse, ready for a day of discovery or a night surrounded by sea and stars. Guided tours, led by Megan the Warden and the volunteer team, bring the rich heritage and natural beauty to life.
Preserving the island’s history one stone at a time: The Warden and volunteers team up for some hands-on heritage work on Flat Holm to restore the dry stone walls.
From secretive slow worms to squawking seabirds, every creature counts on Flat Holm Island! Megan and the Volunteer Wardens are on a mission to monitor wildlife – every sighting helps us learn, protect and celebrate nature.
Roald Dahl Plass and the Inner Harbour, which are both on Chris’ maintenance checklist.
Located on Cardiff Bay Barrage, Cardiff Sailing Centre has been a cornerstone of Welsh watersports for decades.
Led by Anthony, an experienced sailor with years of coaching
experience, it’s a place where unforgettable adventures are created, skills are shared, and a love for the water is passed on.
As a Royal Yachting Association-recognised training centre with a legacy dating back to 1968 and recipient of a Disability Sport Wales
award, the centre has nurtured generations of sailors, including Olympic champions, and continues to inspire all ages and abilities in
dinghy sailing, keelboating and powerboating.
Anthony, Chief Sailing Officer, gives Gemma a safety briefing prior to rigging.
Our instructors guiding young sailors to take the ropes on a calm day in Cardiff Bay – part of our commitment to safe, fun and confidence-building experiences on the
water.
Junior sailors, developing their skills and taking the helm as part of our hands-on RYA OnBoard Scheme for schools and young people.
Hoisting the headsail: it’s time to set sail!
Nestled on the banks of the River Taff in South Cardiff, Cardiff Rowing Centre (CRC) has been a hub for watersports for over 20 years.
The facility offers direct access to the river and Cardiff Bay, making it ideal for both novice and seasoned rowers. With a dedicated team of nationally qualified instructors delivering inclusive programmes, the centre has introduced thousands of individuals, families and school groups to the joys of rowing.
Helping nurture confidence, fitness and community spirit on the water, CRC celebrates the people, passion and progress that have made it part of the city’s sporting life.
A Centre Instructor performing an equipment safety check before a participant begins his ‘Adult Blades 1 – Learn to Row’ course.
All afloat: the course participant receiving final instructions before paddling up the river.
The Celtic Coastal Coxed Four in the Bay for a training session
A training outing for the Junior Women’s Rowing Team on the River Taff
Over the past 25 years, Cardiff Harbour Authority team members have hosted and supported a wide array of events – from the adrenaline-fuelled Extreme Sailing Series and family-friendly Cardiff Harbour Festival, to the Cardiff Food & Drink Festival, and world-class live music performances at the Bay Series.
We have also facilitated major cultural moments, including the arrival of the Volvo Ocean Race, and Roald Dahl Plass has become home to the
annual Cardiff Bay Family Fun Park.
Cardiff Harbour Authority proudly welcomed the Extreme Sailing Series to Cardiff Bay, bringing world-class racing and waterfront excitement for everyone to enjoy!
A visitor favourite, the iconic Cardiff Food and Drink Festival brings the Bay to life each summer with global flavours, local delicacies and vibrant market stalls.
Cardiff Harbour Festival lit up the August bank holiday for years with enchanting walking theatre, thrilling water rescue demos and majestic tall ships.
From sandy shores to thrilling rides, Cardiff Bay Family Fun Park – formerly known as Cardiff Bay Beach – continues to bring seaside-style fun to the heart of the Bay.
