Some commercial port activities could be moved out of St Peter Port

The simulation exercises are part of a study into whether the island’s port facilities are suitable for future predicted use.

Serious doubts were raised by some mariners last year over whether the site south of Longue Hougue could safely become a commercial port.

Deputy Peter Roffey, the president of the States’ Trading & Supervisory Board, said that the pandemic had delayed the investigations.

A policy letter outlining all the options is now due before the States by June, instead of the initial deadline of December this year.

The options will include a redesign of St Peter Port roughly within its existing physical confines, an extension of deep water berth facilities to the east of the existing harbour, or moving commercial operations closer to St Sampson’s and leaving St Peter Port just for leisure boats.

‘Since the tide and current data has been received, the team is now commissioning a navigational simulation of a number of the high level options identified for potential future port developments. The local marine pilots are assisting with this study, which will assess the feasibility of each option, in terms of manoeuvring vessels at varying states of the tide.

‘Once all this work is complete, STSB will present to the States a robust policy letter, setting out in detail the findings of all our investigations, with clear recommendations for the Assembly to consider.’

Deputy Roffey gave a commitment that there would be extensive consultation with other States committees, douzaines, harbour users and the public.