The X berth, located at the end of the New Jetty, provides a platform for medium-sized vessels such as those operated by Islands Unlimited and Manche-Iles Express.
This year around 40,000 passengers to France or Jersey have embarked or disembarked there.
The new X berth is expected to be fully operational by early 2026, ready for the start of the commercial sailing season in March.
Acting harbour master James Way said this was a significant investment in a commercial berth, essential to harbour operations.
‘Replacing the X berth will noticeably improve passenger operations by providing modern access arrangements,’ he said.
‘This investment supports the States’ wider plans to continue developing sea connectivity and reflects Guernsey Ports’ commitment to enabling those objectives.’
The X berth was originally constructed and designed over 30 years ago for the Condor hydrofoils, before being adapted for wider use around 10 years later.
Mr Way said that the pontoon systems have now reached the end of their design life and have required increasing maintenance in recent years, while the access arrangements for passengers and crew have become outdated.
‘The replacement of the X berth has given us the opportunity to review how the current arrangements can be improved,’ he said.
‘In addition to better access for passengers and crew, the new facilities will provide on-shore power for berthed vessels, and the installation of a new turnstile gate, making the berth available for superyachts to come alongside.’
The X berth pontoons, gangways and other supporting structures will be rebuilt over the winter as part of the ongoing improvement of lifeline harbour infrastructure.
The first of three new pontoons for the X berth arrived at the end of September, alongside other essential components that include pile guides and a gangway.
There was a second delivery yesterday, which included a further pontoon and self-levelling gangway, with the final delivery set to be shipped to the island next week.
The current X berth will be decommissioned at the start of November, following the conclusion of Island Unlimited’s summer schedule.
Guernsey Ports’ technical services team has started fabricating the new supporting piles and structural steel bracing, which reinforce the pontoon system, with installation to ommence in November.
Construction will then take place in stages during the winter months, as the work needs to be scheduled around low spring tides to ensure safety and minimise disruption to harbour operations.
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