The aim of this part of the project was to create up to 26 new berths with 24-hour access for some of Jersey’s larger vessels. This frees up space in other marinas while also benefitting the local maritime community, including marine traders and sea charter operators as well as boat owners.
Following the replacement in 2014/15 of piers 4 and 5, Walcon returned in late 2021 to install new piers 1, 2 and 3 at the entrance to the harbour. This involved the installation of a 3m (10ft) wide back walkway, constructed using System 21 pontoons, and 13 piled fingers. Ten of these, all 25m (82ft) in length, are also System 21. The remaining three (28m/92ft, 25m/82ft and 12m/39ft in length respectively) have been built using Walcon’s all-steel, commercial-grade Docking Solutions product and fitted with grey, GRP mesh, non-slip decking. A steel bridge gives dedicated access via a security gate.
Walcon worked as a sub-contractor to Geomarine, a local civil engineering company. The work to install rock sockets in the seabed and insert the steel piles was undertaken by Fugro.
The Albert Pier project is an important investment by Ports of Jersey and is part of its commitment to continue to invest in critical infrastructure. The regeneration of the pier will help ensure that the harbour is able to meet the needs of the island well into the future.
The new pontoons are currently being used as temporary berths during the current refurbishment of nearby St Helier Marina. This is due to be completed by the end of this month (May).