Penzance Dry Dock - which is set to close at the end of May (Image: Google) Europe’s oldest dry dock is set to close at the end of May which could be the end of an era in Penzance. Penzance Dry Dock was the first of its kind in Europe when it opened in 1834 but now looks set to close. The facility is leased by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group which has confirmed that it is pulling out. When contacted today Penzance Dry Dock confirmed that it is closing at the end of May but when asked for more details declined to give any information.