2 INDUSTRY NEWS
Berthing upgrade in Jersey
T
he second and final stage of the upgrade of the berthing facilities at Ports of Jersey’s Albert Pier in St Helier Harbour has now been completed by Walcon Marine. The aim of this part of the project is to create up to 26 new berths, with 24-hour access for some of Jersey’s larger vessels. This will free up space in other marinas while also benefitting the local maritime community, including marine traders and sea charter operations, as well as boat-owners. Following the replacement of piers 4 and 5 during 2014/15,
Walcon Marine returned in late 2021 to install new piers 1, 2 and 3 at the entrance to the harbour. This involved the installation of a three-metre wide back walkway, constructed using Walcon’s System 21 pontoons and 13 piled fingers. Ten of these, all 25 metres in length, also employ System 21. The remaining three of 28 metres, 25 metres and 12 metres in length, respectively, have been built using Walcon’s all-steel, commercialgrade Docking Solutions product and fitted with grey, GRP mesh, non-slip decking. Finally, a steel bridge gives dedicated access via
a security gate to this section of Albert Pier’s mooring facilities. The Albert Pier project is an important investment by Ports of Jersey and is part of its commitment to continue to invest in critical infrastructure. The regeneration of the area will help to ensure that the harbour is able to meet the needs of the island well into the future. The new pontoons are currently being used as temporary berths during the current refurbishment of the nearby St Helier Marina, which is due to be completed by the end of May this year.
Swiss CEO for MB92 Group MB92, the world-leading superyacht refit, repair and maintenance group, has strengthened its management team with the appointment of Jean-Marc Bolinger, a Swiss national, as CEO. Pepe García-Aubert, President and CEO of MB92, will continue to play a major role in the company as Chairman of the Board. Jean-Marc has occupied senior positions within a wide variety of industries ranging from business services, consumer goods, food and beverages to logistics and has led teams of up to 900 employees. During a career spanning 30 years and three continents, he held executive roles at companies such as Danone and the Primo Corporation. More recently, he has acted as an advisor for private equity funds, a role that led him to first work with MB92 in 2021 where he helped the Group develop synergies between the company’s shipyards in Barcelona and La Ciotat.
Plans for Cannes A 30-year concession was recently signed between the City of Cannes and Marina du Vieux Port de Cannes SAS, whose shareholders are Island Global Yachting (IGY) and the French construction group Fayat. It is now planned to enhance and rejuvenate this prime destination on the French Riviera, which provides 727 berths, while maintaining the historical integrity of the area. Tom Mukamal, CEO of IGY, commented: “We are honoured MARINA INDUSTRY • APRIL 2022
that the City of Cannes has entrusted IGY and Fayat with the management and development of this world-renowned site. Our team looks forward to providing our clients with hospitality solutions for all classes of vessels by bringing IGY’s expertise and professional standards to the French Riviera”. Modernising this historic port to increase its destination appeal will be carried out with a full understanding of the need to
respect the sensibilities of the local community. Enhancements will include berths adapted for people with reduced mobility, the construction of a semi-covered car park with more than 500 spaces (including 35 bus and coach spaces), the extension of the Albert Edouard Pier, the relocation and improvement of the careening area and an upgraded power supply for large boats, as well as a new Harbour Master’s office and service centre.
Jean-Marc Bolinger.
