Ports of Jersey reappoints cargo handler

Wednesday 11 December 2019

Ports of Jersey has reappointed General Stevedoring Licence to provide cargo handling services at St. Helier Harbour.

The licence was awarded following an open tender process and is valid for a further nine years.

It will see Solent Stevedores continue to provide loading and unloading services on and off ships, across both the Elizabeth Harbour and the New North Quay facilities.

Solent Stevedores has held the licence since August 2012, having taken over from the previous operator, George Troy Ltd., which had gone into voluntary liquidation earlier that year.

Pictured: The St. Helier Harbour area.

In the past seven years, the company has invested to upgrade to its Jersey cargo handling equipment and in-house maintenance provision and improved its operational procedures, skills training delivery as improved welfare for its 22-strong local workforce.

“98% of goods arriving into the Island come via the Port of St. Helier," said Harbour Operations Manager, Aaron Gavey. "This is the reason why the relationship we have established with Solent Stevedores is so important; allowing the delivery of an efficient and customer focused operation while ensuring we, as a business, remain open, safe and secure.

"Ports of Jersey has further demonstrated its commitment to this proven relationship by awarding Solent Stevedores with additional responsibilities for facility management and the security provision of our sites, which can only enhance the quality of our port operational services. We look forward to working alongside Solent Stevedores in the future and congratulate them on their reappointment."

Solent Stevedores Jersey Operations Director, Glen Mourant, added: “We are delighted with the reappointment and look forward to building upon our excellent collaborative working relationships with both Ports of Jersey and our valued customers in the Channel Islands.

"I am very proud of our team and of the achievements we have made together during our tenure and welcome this fantastic opportunity to expand upon the services we deliver within the Port of St Helier."