Mulberry Harbour Phoenix Units, Portland

Portland Mulberry Harbour Phoenix Units are two reinforced concrete structures from World War II standing near Queen's Pier in Portland Harbour. Each unit rises several stories high and extends into the water, together forming a notable presence along this section of the Dorset coastline.

The units were built as components for the artificial Mulberry harbours used during the 1944 Normandy landings to supply troops and materials. After the war these two examples were returned to Portland while most other units were used elsewhere or scrapped.

Six statues placed on the units in 2017 show British sailors, American soldiers, and dock workers who took part in wartime operations. The figures recall how Portland served as a working harbor for military preparation and troop movements.

The concrete units now serve as windbreaks for vessels berthing at Queen's Pier while remaining visible from the shore. Visitors can walk along the harbor promenade to get a good view of both structures and the statues placed on them.

From an original collection of 213 units manufactured for D-Day operations these two examples are the only ones remaining in Portland. Most other caissons were removed after the war or reused for commercial purposes elsewhere.

Location: Portland

GPS coordinates: 50.57135,-2.44284

Latest update: December 4, 2025 06:40