The breakwater enclosed 36 acres (15 hectares) of harbour and was capable of taking up to about 50 vessels of 200 tons each.

As the china clay industry grew in the area during the 19th century this became the main export through the docks.

The port is still the site of a Milling Centre and a Grade Dryer and this continued industrial usage means ECO-BOS's ideas for a marina and residential Eco-village on the dis-used dryer site to the west of the docks is unlikely to come to fruition.

The port was famous for its “Stack” – the chimney of a lead smelter that had to be demolished in 1907 after it was hit by lightning – and for its low-roofed engines Alfred & Judy (Bagnall 0-4-0ST), the inspiration for Bill & Ben in Rev W Awdry’s children’s books about Thomas The Tank Engine after his visit to the docks in 1966.

The port is still served by a rail line from St Blazey and still has the occasional early morning train.