James Wild MP joins King’s Lynn Conservancy Board aboard Pilot Cutter United to see important work protecting the Port

As part of his work supporting North West Norfolk’s economy and maritime sector, James Wild MP visited the Port of King’s Lynn with the King’s Lynn Conservancy Board (KLCB) to see its operations first hand and discuss the challenges facingone of the region’s key pieces of infrastructure.

Joining the Board aboard its Pilot Cutter United, James travelled from the River Great Ouse through the buoyed navigation channel into The Wash, meeting the Board’s Coxswains and seeing the work involved in keeping the harbour safe and operational throughout the year. The Pilot Cutter is used to take pilots and harbour staff out on the water so they can guide ships safely in and out of the Port and inspect key parts of the navigation channel.

James met Harbour Master and Chief Executive Patrick Jary to discuss the Board’s statutory responsibilities, including pilotage, conservancy, hydrographic surveying, buoy maintenance and emergency preparedness, as well as the day-to-day management of the harbour.

The Port of King’s Lynn has long been an important part of the local economy. With a trading history stretching back hundreds of years, it has supported businesses, employment and industry across West Norfolk and beyond. Today, the Conservancy Board continues to provide the navigation and harbour services that enable commercial shipping to operate safely and efficiently.

A key focus of the visit was the sharp fall in commercial trade during 2026 and the financial pressures this has placed on the Board. James discussed how KLCB is managing these challenges while continuing to deliver its statutory safety and conservancy duties to keep the harbour safe and operational throughout the year.

The visit also gave James the chance to discuss the Board’s apprenticeship programme, which provides local people with practical skills, qualifications and career opportunities in the maritime sector, helping to develop the next generation of professionals.

Speaking after the visit, James Wild MP said:

“It was insightful to spend time with the King’s Lynn Conservancy Board aboard Pilot Cutter United and to hear directly from the team about the pressures and opportunities facing the Port.

“Being out on the river and in The Wash gives a very different perspective and showed just how much we rely on quiet, professional work behind the scenes to keep people safe and the local economy moving.

“It was also good to discuss how the Port is adapting to changing activity and to hear more about their apprenticeship programme which is giving local young people the chance to build maritime skills and careers, supporting the future of the historic Port and our local economy.”

Captain Patrick Jary, Harbour Master and Chief Executive of King’s Lynn Conservancy Board, said:

It was a pleasure to welcome James aboard Pilot Cutter United and provide him with a first-hand understanding of the vital work carried out by King’s Lynn Conservancy Board. There is no substitute for seeing the harbour from the water and experiencing the scale of our statutory responsibilities.

“We discussed both the opportunities and the challenges facing the Port, particularly the impact that the significant reduction in commercial trade during 2026 has had on our organisation. Despite these pressures, KLCB continues to deliver the essential harbour services that protect lives, support commerce and keep the Port operating safely.

“We were also pleased to highlight the importance of investing in local people through our apprenticeship programme. Developing maritime skills within our community is essential if we are to secure the future of the Port and ensure that King’s Lynn continues to benefit from a strong and sustainable maritime sector.”

Following the visit, KLCB thanked James for taking the time to meet with the organisation and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the Port. The Board looks forward to continuing constructive engagement to support the long-term success of King’s Lynn as a thriving commercial harbour and an important contributor to the regional economy.