Earlier this summer we completed our role in the rebuild of the St. Helier Marina on Jersey C.I. The project involved a comprehensive like-for-like replacement with the new marina maintaining the configuration of approximately 250 berths across seven piers for boats up to 20-25 metres in length. There is also an additional walkway for alongside berthing by visiting yachts.
St Helier Marina was first opened in 1981 and this is its first major refurbishment. The project got underway in September 2021 following a tender process that resulted in local firm Geomarine being appointed the main contractor to undertake the works. We were subsequently appointed a specialist sub-contractor.
The overall scope required the removal and replacement of the entire on-the-water infrastructure. This included all the pontoons as well as the existing guide piles that had also reached the end of their serviceable lives. The two existing access bridges were refurbished and reinstated by Geomarine. In all, around £3.5m was invested in the project to enhance the facilities, and the project was completed on time in May.
Five of the seven new piers have been constructed using our aluminium System 2000 pontoons, while the two piers nearest to the entrance to the basin in which the marina is situated use our steel System 21 pontoons due to their more exposed location. As well as the walkways and finger pontoons, we also supplied the new wall columns.
“It was a pleasure to be working with the Ports of Jersey and local contractor Geomarine once again,” said Walcon Marine MD James Walters. “We have worked with Geomarine on a number of projects over the years, including the recent works at Albert Dock in St. Helier, and the cooperation is always excellent.”
Jersey’s Harbour Master, Captain Bill Sadler, commented: “The upgrade of St Helier Marina demonstrates our continuing commitment to invest in our harbour infrastructure so that it will continue to meet the needs of our valued marina community.”