Categories: News, St Peter PortPublished On: 25.09.2019366 words1.9 min read

The proposed multi-million pound redevelopment of St Peter Port Harbour now has a project team to look at how operations will work.

Aerial shot of Guernsey's Harbour, with boats docked

It is being led by Ports capital works manager John Mitchell and Harbour Master Captain David Barker, both of whom have extensive maritime expertise and knowledge of how the current port works.

A review is underway looking into whether the harbour should be extended, or if existing operations should be relocated to create new opportunities for the area.

It comes after a requête was debated in the States in May.

Within the proposal are plans to create a new berth at the end of the White Rock, to the east of the QEII marina, it would mean it would be able to handle larger vessels than it does now.

Captain Barker, who has 40 years worth of experience in both the merchant navy and Royal Navy, says any new facilities at the harbour will serve the island well for many years to come.

There are significant challenges, particularly around the competition for space in St Peter Port and the way fuels are imported at St Sampson’s. Those need to be addressed, so that our harbours today meet the requirements of the 21st century.

– Captain David Barker, Guernsey’s Harbour Master

Mr Mitchell, who has worked at Guernsey Harbours for more than 15 years, says there are lots of opportunities to come from developing the site.

There is a lot of potential to develop new business for the harbours, to bring additional revenues for the benefit of all islanders. For example, how can we better cater for large private boats and super yachts? This is a market for which Guernsey already has some attractions, but what we can offer is severely restricted by the existing facilities and layout of the ports. We will be considering this and other opportunities.

– John Mitchell, Guernsey Ports capital works manager

A study will be done to look at the environmental of extending St Peter Port Harbour. This includes looking at the effects on land and offshore, and how these might be reduced.

It will also look at traffic, marine life, noise, and air quality within the area.

Source: ITV news website