Milestone reached in installation of new commercial berth
- New infrastructure is being installed at St Peter Port Harbour.
- The project, costing £850,000, involves the replacement of berth used by Manche Iles and Islands Unlimited.
- Two refurbished piles and new steel piles installed.
- The berth is expected to become operational by April.
- Improvements will enhance stability and access for vessels and passengers.
Construction at St Peter Port Harbour has marked a milestone in the installation of a new commercial berth.
The £850,000 project will replace the existing ‘X’ Berth and is scheduled to begin operations at the start of April.
The reconstruction commenced with the installation of two newly manufactured steel piles last month.
Now the refurbishment and craning of two existing piles, completed by Guernsey Ports, is taking place.
The fortified steel piles, each measuring approximately 14 metres in length and weighing four tonnes, will provide support for the new commercial pontoons.
Project Civil Engineer Joe Armstrong stated, “These two piles were lifted out of the water in December and taken to our workshops in St Sampson’s, where they have been grit-blasted, recoated, and strengthened.”
A mobile crane will position the piles and secure them to newly constructed steel supports within the New Jetty structure.
The previous berth, originally designed for the Condor hydrofoils, was decommissioned in October after three decades of service.
The new X Berth is intended for medium-sized passenger ferries operated by Islands Unlimited and Manche Iles Express.
Armstrong highlighted the enhancements in design: “Doubling the number of piles enables us to accommodate a sturdier, purpose-built pontoon system, which will provide better access for passengers and crew, and more stable berthing in all weather conditions.”
The installation of the pontoon system is set to commence later this month, with plans for a permanent self-levelling gangway and electrical bollards to provide shore power for docked vessels.
James Way, Acting Harbour Master, said: “The reconstruction of the X Berth is an important investment in our harbour facilities, replacing ageing infrastructure for decades to come.
"Persistent bad weather over the winter has been our biggest challenge, however we are confident the new berth will be fully operational by early April, ready to support a busy summer of ferry schedules.”
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