Channel Islands
New Berths at Jersey Marinas
Jersey Harbours is to provide new berths in the St Helier Marina and expand the capacity of the Elizabeth Marina.
Jersey Harbours is to provide new berths in the St Helier Marina and expand the capacity of the Elizabeth Marina as part of its commitment to improve facilities for local boat owners and support the growth of the marine leisure industry.
The extra berths are being created by reconfiguring the space available on existing pontoons. 26 x 10 metre berths will initially be released on ‘D' pontoon in St Helier Marina, followed by 12 trade berths in Elizabeth Marina of between 10 and 15 metres, which will become available during May 2008. An additional 42 berths in the Elizabeth Marina will be extended to 14 meters over the next 18 months.
Deputy Alan Maclean, Assistant Minister for Economic Development with responsibility for Jersey Harbours, said, "There is a growing local and international demand for berths in the marinas. As a destination, Jersey is increasingly attractive to the international market, as boat owners can benefit from duty free marine fuel. I am pleased that we have been able to work with the Marine Traders Federation and St Helier Boat Owners Association to provide these new, longer berths, which will be of great advantage to the industry as a whole.
This first phase is just the beginning of a wider programme to expand the capacity of the Island's marinas and deliver the facilities that enable Jersey's marine leisure industry to flourish. Over the next 18 months we will be looking to convert a number of 10-12 metre berths into 42 longer, 14 metre berths. We also hope to deliver a new generation of 20 metre berths during 2009."
Sarah Matlock, Director of Sunseeker Channel Islands and Marine Leisure representative for Chamber of Commerce, said, "It is excellent news that Jersey Harbours will be providing larger berths, which will improve trading conditions in the Island. This is particularly good news in light of the forthcoming Jersey Boat Show, which will give the marine leisure industry an opportunity to showcase its products. There is a real demand for larger boats and the Island's marinas need to be able to accommodate these if they are to maintain their reputation as world-class facilities."
Philip Jeaune
