PSD wants to use Albert Pier for cruise passengers
CRUISE passengers will now land at Albert Pier, if planning permission is approved, as Guernsey Harbours looks to capitalise on the growing market and provide a better experience for visitors.
It has submitted plans to move the tender docking station from the inter-island quay at the White Rock to the end of Albert Pier and use the landward side of the bus terminus as a coach pick-up point for pre-booked excursions.
The arrangement would be in place only between April and September, but it would see 54 short-term parking spaces relocated to other areas, including the Crown Pier, Castle Emplacement and White Rock.
It comes as the number of cruise passengers has soared in the past five years, with around 140,000 expected this year, an increase of more than 20% in 2013.
But Public Services said that meant it was no longer safe for tenders to dock at White Rock alongside the large number of ferries, commercial vessels and commercial traffic.
It is estimated passengers spent around £3m. in the island last year, something which PSD deputy minister Darren Duquemin, pictured, was keen for the island to capitalise on.
The more that come here, the bigger the challenge it is for us to get everyone safely ashore and then back to their ships.
'But that is a nice problem to have,' he said.
'For as many as 140,000 to stop off here this summer will be great for the island. What we want to ensure is that their first and last impression of the island is a positive one, and we think the proposed changes will help with that.'
