Work begins on St Aubin harbour – by David Foxwell

Ongoing damage has gradually destabilised the piers and the breakwater and without stabilisation they may be in danger of collapse, as happened in 1973 on a section of the breakwater.

Since 2001, consulting engineers Arup Rothwell have been monitoring the breakwater and the two pier arms in St Aubin Harbour for Jersey Harbours. Having analysed wave patterns and forces in the area and carried out tests, engineers have come up with a solution known as the Cintec System which is commonly used to stabilise ancient structures. The work is expected to take 45 weeks to complete and will cost £1.2m.

Scaffolding will need to be erected and a drill rig put in place so that holes can be drilled in the masonry to insert piles which will ‘stitch’ the structures together and anchor them into the bedrock of the seabed. Work will first start on the breakwater before moving to the harbour’s north pier, sections of which will be closed to the public during the works. Once completed, the rig will move to the south pier to finish the project.

Jersey Harbours’ technical services manager Ray Hine said, ‘The stabilisation works will ensure that St Aubin Harbour and the Fort remain safe for future generations to enjoy. Once the works are complete careful dredging will be undertaken to achieve the optimum depth of water in the harbour.’