Carrickfergus Marina secures 5 Gold Anchor and International Clean Marina status

Carrickfergus Marina and Harbour have secured 5 Gold Anchor accreditation and International Clean Marina status following independent assessments by The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA). The marina achieved a 98.33% score in its first Clean Marina audit, according to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

Carrickfergus Marina has secured 5 Gold Anchor accreditation alongside International Clean Marina status, recognising standards across its facilities, customer service and environmental management.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council confirmed the results following multi-day independent audits carried out earlier this year.

The latest recognition builds on Carrickfergus Marina’s existing Gold Anchor credentials. The council’s current marina information already lists the site as a 5 Gold Anchor marina, so I would avoid describing this as Carrickfergus receiving the award “for the first time”.

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What does Carrickfergus Marina’s 5 Gold Anchor accreditation mean?

The Gold Anchor scheme is operated internationally by The Yacht Harbour Association and the Marina Industries Association.

Its purpose is to provide an independent assessment of marina standards and help boat owners compare facilities.

For accredited marinas, assessments can examine six main areas:

• Customer service
• On-water facilities and infrastructure
• Onshore facilities and infrastructure
• Environmental standards
• Planning, policies and procedures
• Overall marina ambience

A berth-holder survey also forms part of the accreditation process. TYHA says mystery-shopper checks can be carried out during the accreditation period.

Read more about the TYHA Gold Anchor scheme

Carrickfergus achieves 98.33% in first Clean Marina audit

The council said this was the first time Carrickfergus Marina had undergone a Clean Marina audit.

It achieved a score of 98.33%.

International Clean Marina accreditation focuses specifically on reducing the environmental impact of marina and harbour operations.

TYHA’s criteria include areas such as:

• Management of hazardous and segregated waste
• Spill prevention and treatment
• Blackwater capture and treatment
• Preventing pollution entering waterways
• Washdown water management
• Reducing plastic pollution
• Encouraging sustainable practices among boat owners and contractors

TYHA describes the Clean Marina programme as a way of helping marinas protect coastal and inland waters while demonstrating an ongoing commitment to environmental management.

Find out more about International Clean Marina accreditation

Mayor praises Carrickfergus Marina and Harbour staff

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, congratulated the team following the assessments.

He said:

“We are proud the hard work and continued efforts of our Carrickfergus Marina and Harbour team has been recognised with these awards.”

He said the accreditations reflected work to improve the facilities, reduce their environmental impact and operate in a more sustainable way.

Commenting on the Clean Marina assessment, Alderman Gordon added:

“This is the first time Carrickfergus Marina has been subjected to a Clean Marina audit, so we were delighted to learn of being awarded a score of 98.33%.”

He described the result as particularly significant for Carrickfergus Marina’s first application for the environmental accreditation.

Environmental standards assessed at Carrickfergus

As part of its Clean Marina assessment, the Carrickfergus site was reviewed on issues including potential water contamination, sunken vessels and the management of hazardous waste.

These areas align with TYHA’s wider Clean Marina criteria, which are designed to minimise pollution and improve environmental practices at marina sites.

Carrickfergus Marina sits on the northern shore of Belfast Lough and has around 300 fully serviced berths. The site is located close to Carrickfergus Castle and the town’s waterfront.

Awards to go on display

The 5 Gold Anchor plaque, flag and certificate, together with certification for the International Clean Marina status, will now be displayed at Carrickfergus Marina.

The latest accreditation adds further recognition to one of Carrickfergus’ most prominent waterfront facilities and highlights the environmental standards being adopted around the harbour and marina.

For more Carrickfergus news, events, local businesses and visitor information, visit our dedicated Carrickfergus section.

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