VolkerFitzpatrick and VolkerStevin appointed by Ports of Jersey
VolkerFitzpatrick and VolkerStevin, as part of Portside, have been appointed by Ports of Jersey to design the construction work on Elizabeth Harbour. The Harbour is being reconfigured to increase freight capacity and improve passenger experience as part of the St Helier Harbour Master plan.
Portside is a strategic alliance between VolkerFitzpatrick, VolkerStevin and Geomarine, supported by strategic partners, Boskalis Westminster and Arup. It has been formed to support Ports of Jersey in delivering the Elizabeth Harbour works and future infrastructure projects across the island. The alliance combines extensive experience in major port infrastructure projects with Geomarine’s local knowledge and on-island resources.
The contract to design the construction work is a significant milestone which will pave the way for work on the harbour to start in Autumn 2026. The project is then due to span two years from Autumn 2026 to Winter 2028.
"We are proud to be working with Ports of Jersey to deliver a major piece of critical infrastructure that will transform St Helier’s harbours. This once-in-a-generation project is technically complex and ambitious, but one that will bring long-term benefits to Jersey’s economy, community, and sustainable future – leaving a lasting legacy for the island.”
John Cox VolkerWessels UK board member
The work on the harbour will involve the creation of a suspended deck to bring together the LoLo and RoRo freight operations. This will require some reclamation and dredging, and the construction of a concrete wall and revetment to absorb wave energy and protect against erosion.
Once the work is complete, operational equipment like cranes and forklifts can be moved from New North Quay to the new suspended deck at Elizabeth Harbour. This will consolidate freight operations, improve safety and increase freight-handling capacity.
Elizabeth Harbour Redevelopment
Planning permission for the Elizabeth Harbour project was granted in November 2024, and will pave the way for the wider Harbour Master Plan. As well as reconfiguring the harbour to expand and improve freight facilities, Elizabeth Terminal will be replaced and external public areas will be redesigned.
The work will bring numerous benefits, including:
- Increased capacity for freight
- A boost for local businesses
- Improved facilities for passengers
- Enhanced safety features ensuring a secure environment for all harbour user
- New public realm areas for Islanders to enjoy
- Contribution to Jersey’s net zero goals
- Creation of new jobs during the construction phase.
Ports of Jersey’s CEO, Matt Thomas, said: “We are pleased to have reached this new phase in our progress on the Harbour Master Plan. Our delivery partners are now working on the detailed design for the construction work that will reconfigure Elizabeth Harbour. These designs will inform how the construction work is managed from next year, enabling work on the wider Master Plan work to improve our maritime infrastructure, support economic growth and improve passenger experience.”
More info about the wider Harbour Master Plan can be found here.
