The work was completed and the first ship to enter the dock (SS "Garland") did so on 14 May 1881, carrying 1200 tons of cargo destined for Messrs English of Wisbech. The excitement was spoilt somewhat as the dock entrance had not been dredged to a sufficient depth and the ship had to unload some of her cargo before entering the dock. However, towed by the tugs, "Pendennis" and "the Isle of Ely", she floated into the dock. In the following week, four other ships used the dock.