History of Milford Fish Docks
Milford Haven became home to a thriving and important fishing port in the 19th Century. On 27th September 1888, the steam trawler ‘Sybil’ was the first vessel to enter Milford Docks.
Trawler owners from ports all around the British coast were quick to spot the advantages of fishing from Milford Haven, the most important of which were: proximity to good fishing grounds, a sheltered anchorage, and direct rail links to London and other centres where the fish could be marketed.
Throughout the first half of the 20th Century, Milford residents boasted that each weekday was a pay-day, as the fishermen were noted for spending their hard earned income. Even through the years of the Great Depression of the 1920s and 30s Milford sustained its busy and bustling quayside atmosphere.
Today, Milford Haven is home to the largest fishing port in Wales.
To find out more about Milford Haven’s fascinating history and its role in the fishing, whaling and oil industries, visit Milford Haven Museum.
Milford Fish Docks Timeline
1888
The Lowestoft registered steam trawler 'Sybil' was the first fishing vessel to enter the newly opened dock on 27th September
1890
Cardiff Pure Ice and Cold Storage opens the first ice factory in the port
1906
First smoke house is opened
1908
On 2nd September, 29 trawlers land fish for Monday market, largest ever Monday landing at the port
1914
24 Belgian trawlers and 700 Belgian civilians arrive in the port, evacuees from war torn Belgium
1925
Circa 1925 an iconic poster was designed by the Great Western Railway which advertised Milford Haven as 'where fish comes from'; reinforcing the significance of Milford Haven as a fishing port
1929
Spanish Pareja fleet starts to land catches at the port
1931
Milford Haven Ice Co. acquires ice making factory from Brand and Curzon
1942
24 Dutch trawlers arrive at port to form mine-sweeping squadron
1946
Fleet returns from Naval service
1998
Unique electronic Fish Auction facility introduced
2012
Record tonnages landed at Milford Fish Docks - the highest in 10 years
2013
Record tonnages landed at Milford Fish Docks - the highest in 15 years
2013
New flake ice plant installed at Milford Fish Docks - the only one in Wales
2015
New box washing facility, chill store, storage units and processing units opened
2018
Celebrating 130th anniversary