RoRo ramps to undergo essential maintenance
- Essential repairs are planned for St Peter Port Harbour's roll on/roll-off (RoRo) ramps.
- The linkspans are crucial for vehicle transport and freight services.
- Technical surveys have confirmed the need for maintenance after inspections.
- Proposed repairs aim to extend the life of the linkspans by 5 to 10 years.
- A procurement invitation is open for firms to express interest in the maintenance works.
Preparations are under way for essential repairs on the two roll on/roll-off ramps at St Peter Port Harbour, aimed at extending the life of these critical facilities.
The ramps, technically referred to as 'linkspans', facilitate the loading and unloading of vehicles onto ferries, playing a vital role in the island's infrastructure, particularly for transporting goods and passengers.
In 2024, over 90% of freight was transported by RoRo vessels, which also saw more than 65,000 private vehicles travelling to and from the island.
The linkspans are located on either side of the passenger ferry terminal on the New Jetty. The linkspan by Cambridge Berth, adjacent to the Inter-Island Quay, is the older structure, completed in 1987, while the second linkspan was installed in 1995 to replace the original ramp, which dated back to 1974.
Both current linkspans have received regular maintenance throughout their operational lives, with the last major overhaul occurring in 2010 and 2011. In the last 18 months, detailed technical surveys, including underwater inspections by diving teams, have assessed their condition.
The priority maintenance work will focus on repairing the existing reinforced concrete support structures and refurbishing some of the steel piles. This initiative is designed to extend the operational life of the linkspans by an additional five to 10 years, allowing for the development of plans for longer-term refurbishment or replacement.
An invitation for expressions of interest has been published on the States of Guernsey procurement portal, targeting firms qualified to undertake the works.
This initial phase will allow interested companies to showcase their experience with similar marine infrastructure projects and outline their proposed repair methods. Following this, Guernsey Ports will compile a shortlist of companies to submit tenders later this year.
The deadline for submissions is set for Tuesday 26 August, with a contract expected to be awarded in October. Planned commencement of the repair works is potentially scheduled for November.
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