£300,000 is to be spent renewing the 50 year old pontoons in what is known as the 'Visitors' Marina.'
Guernsey Ports' Jenny Giles says the ageing pontoons will be replaced with modern, heavy duty ones:
“These pontoons in the Victoria Marina date back to its construction in the 1970s and have long since reached the end of their design life.
The new pontoons are of similar design to those installed in the QE2 Marina earlier this year, with heavy-duty, galvanised steel frames supported by fibre-reinforced concrete floats."
Ports say that replacement is more cost effective than maintenance. The electricity and water supply to each berth will be new, and the edge of the walkways will be lit at night.
Local boat owners contested above inflation mooring fee increases for 2024 and 25, but Assistant Harbour Master, Kieran Higgs, says that money is being spent on improving harbour facilities:
“Visiting boat owners provide real benefits to the local economy and to Guernsey Ports’ revenue each spring and summer.
Our increases to our Ports fees and charges are being spread across all user groups, including our visiting boat owners, and these funds are being directly invested into upgraded facilities.”
The work began this month, when the marina is at its quietest.