Marina’s wave protection upgraded after storms

The pontoons are designed to protect the marina from large waves and swell.

Work was carried out by Guernsey Harbours and third party contractors.

A combination of a very high tide and an easterly gale caused severe damage to the pontoons and one of the supporting piles on the Southside wave attenuating pontoon at the end of October.

The new pontoons are designed to dissipate the effects of wave actions and swell entering the harbour and offer protection for vessels berthed in the marina.

Commercial manager at Guernsey Ports, Doug Wright, said: ‘This project’s completion was vital to protect St Sampson’s Harbour Marina.

‘We are extremely pleased with the new wave attenuating pontoon design.

‘The St Sampson’s Harbour Marina is an important asset for Guernsey Harbours and holds 344 local vessel berths.’

The contractor and the harbours’ technical services team had to work in very challenging weather and marine conditions to complete the project.

Mr Wright continued: ‘A huge degree of thanks is due to the team involved for their dedication and professionalism.’

The estimated final cost for the total project is around £350,000.

Guernsey Harbours’ in-house divers assessed the full extent of the damage that occurred and its suppliers designed a replacement solution.

The teams had to work between tidal slots and weather to install the pontoons.