Cumbria’s Whitehaven marina has reopened after being closed since 20th January in order to carry out major maintenance of the lock-gates. A specialist team installed new thrust bearings, gate seals, and anodes and overhauled all hydraulic equipment that opens and closes the gates.

The pontoons on either side of the lock have been re-decked in hardwood timber, and over 18 tons of mussels have been scraped off the lock walls and gates by hand

The maintenance programme was important not only for the boat traffic in and out of the marina, but also for the Whitehaven community, since the sea lock is part of the flood defence system for the town.