During the first phase of the work, a new 24-hour holding pontoon will be installed alongside Albert Pier – from near the RNLI Lifeboat Station to almost the far southern end of the pier. This is due to be completed ahead of the 2020 boating season.
Following this, it is planned to temporarily move vessels out of the St Helier Marina – adjacent to the Maritime Museum buildings – onto the new pontoons while the marina infrastructure is gradually replaced and updated. This is likely to begin in Autumn 2020. Consideration is being given to the marina’s layout to improve its functionality but also to visually enhance it.
Speaking about the first phase of the project to install new 24-hour pontoons, a spokesman for Ports of Jersey, said: ‘Ports of Jersey has been in active discussion with existing commercial operators and leisure users who regularly utilise the Albert Pier holding a series of workshops and design planning sessions.
‘The work is being carried out in direct response to their requests for enhanced berthing opportunities and, although it was not planned to take place for another four years, due to the overwhelming support from the marine leisure audience, it has been decided to accelerate the work to start earlier.
‘Detailed design plans have now been drawn up and Ports of Jersey will be further engaging with interested parties. Work is planned to take place over the winter period in order to minimise disruption to harbour users and is due to be completed in time for the start of the 2020 boating season.’
It is also hoped that around ten – possibly 20m long – parallel ‘finger pontoons’ could be installed at the southern end of the new 24-hour holding pontoons on Albert Pier.
The work is not due to affect the operation of Manche-Iles Express vessels, which run between the Albert Pier, Normandy, Guernsey and Sark.
To ensure that the tender process is not compromised, Ports of Jersey has not disclosed a budget for the project.
