A Gwynedd council workboat has been taken out of service, leaving harbour officers reliant on private contractors to carry out some essential maritime operations.

The MV Dwyfor, operated by Cyngor Gwynedd's Maritime Service, is currently out of commission following an inspection which identified maintenance and certification issues.

According to a report prepared for the Porthmadog Harbour Consultative Committee on Friday, 30 October, the vessel does not currently meet the requirements necessary to undertake its full range of operational duties.

As a result, the council has been relying on local contractors to assist with lifting, repositioning and deploying navigational buoys when required.

The council has also requested that the vessel's certification be suspended while discussions continue about its future.

The report states that the navigable channel around Borth-y-Gest and Garreg Goch has remained relatively stable, although harbour staff continue to monitor conditions.

Changes in sandbanks have previously required officers to reposition navigation markers and issue notices warning mariners of potential hazards.

During the summer, a vessel sank while moored in Porthmadog's harbour channel following heavy rainfall.

Additional buoys were installed to mark the hazard before the vessel was recovered and relocated to the harbour wall.

The council says there are currently no outstanding Notices to Mariners for Porthmadog Harbour following the vessel's removal.

Despite the operational challenges, demand for harbour facilities has increased.

Mooring agreements at Porthmadog rose from 106 in 2025/26 to 112 in 2026/27, while the combined figure for Porthmadog, Barmouth and Aberdyfi increased from 270 to 284.

Moorings at Barmouth and Aberdyfi also rose, from 81 and 83 respectively to 86 each.

The Maritime Service has also applied for external funding to improve harbour facilities.

The report does not specify when MV Dwyfor might return to service, with discussions over the vessel's future continuing.