Ramp problems cause disruption to harbour services

Monday 24 April 2023

Faulty equipment has reduced the number of available ramps at Elizabeth Harbour by half and caused disruption to ferry and freight services.

In spite of having recently come back into operation following repair work in March, the eastern ferry ramp at the harbor has once again been taken out of service.

Ports of Jersey confirmed the issue was being investigated by engineers, and in the meantime it has meant that only one ship can unload at once, using the western ramp.

Ports of Jersey said it was working with ferry operators to minimise disruption to shipping.

Condor said that the ramp issue left the company with "no option" but to alter the schedule for Wednesday’s Voyager services between Jersey and Saint Malo, while Monday's Commodore Clipper services between Jersey, Guernsey and Portsmouth also ran to a revised timetable.

Condor added that sickness among essential members of staff had caused the cancellation of the morning Voyager services between Jersey and Saint Malo on Monday although the evening sailings were able to operate as normal.

Illness also caused the ferry operator to amend last Sunday's Voyager schedule for Jersey, Guernsey and Saint Malo.

A Condor spokesperson apologised for the disruption, pointing out that the issue relating to the ramp was beyond the company's control and that no further issues with crew sickness were anticipated.

Any further adjustments to services caused by the ramp issue would be notified to passengers following discussions with Ports of Jersey, the spokesperson added.