All Change at Newlyn Harbour: New Chairman Takes the Helm

Rob Wing has officially retired as Chairman of Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners (NP&HC), marking the end of a distinguished twelve-year tenure, split equally between his time as a Commissioner and as Chairman.

Under his leadership, Newlyn Harbour has seen significant transformations and navigated numerous challenges.

Modernisation and Milestones

During his tenure, Rob Wing oversaw the transformation of the Newlyn Fish Market into a modern, fully refrigerated facility complete with an online clock auction. This period also saw the formalisation of the longstanding relationship between NP&HC and W Stevenson & Sons, the market’s auctioneer, ushering in a new era for the harbour.

Rob also secured significant funding through a competitive bidding process to build a new Marine Skills & Resource Centre. This achievement is part of a broader strategy to modernise the harbour’s facilities, including the provision of electricity to the quays and the installation of a refuelling station. Perhaps most notably, Newlyn Harbour returned to profitability under his leadership, enabling continued investment aligned with an ambitious strategic plan.

Leadership Through Challenges

Rob Wing demonstrated his dedication to the Cornish fishing industry, hosting visits from senior UK Government officials and welcoming Their Majesties, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, to Newlyn Harbour. His tenure included navigating the challenges of COVID-19, Brexit, and new political landscapes, always advocating for Newlyn’s fishing community.

Reflecting on his time as Chairman, Rob said, “It has been an absolute privilege to serve Newlyn as the focal point of the fishing industry in Cornwall and the south west. I am really sad to leave but it is time to hand over the baton.”

Paul Durkin Takes Over

Paul Durkin, the new Chairman of NP&HC, expressed his gratitude to Rob Wing at a retirement lunch held at the Tolcarne Inn. During the event, Rob was presented with a model of a fishing vessel crafted by Newlyn Copper, which can be seen in the photograph of him standing in front of the painting he commissioned from Newlyn artist, Henrietta Graham, of a Newlyn trawler entering the Port through the gaps, after a successful trip, to land its catch to the early morning market.

Paul acknowledged Rob’s contributions, saying, “Thanks to Rob’s hard work, Newlyn Harbour enjoys financial and operational stability. We have some very exciting opportunities ahead to further develop the Newlyn Harbour estate to meet the changing needs of the modern fishing industry and wider marine environment.”

For more information about Newlyn Harbour, please visit newlynharbour.com.