Preparation for new freight warehouse

​​​Preparation work has started at Elizabeth Harbour for the construction of a new freight warehouse, which will be built later this year by logistics operator FerrySpeed.

 

Planning approval was granted in 2013 to improve the current trailer park layout and build a new purpose-built warehouse on land adjacent to the Elizabeth Harbour, St Helier. 

 

FerrySpeed, one of the largest freight operators in the Channel Islands and currently based on the New North Quay, will relocate its entire operation to the new warehouse development, which will be built in an area on Route du Port Elizabeth, currently used as an open trailer park.

 

Moving its warehouse operation close to the ‘Roll-On Roll-Off’ (ro-ro) port will eliminate trucking to and from the New North Quay, which is the centre for ‘Load-On Load-Off’ (lo-lo) operations. This will reduce the flow of heavy vehicle traffic along St Helier’s underpass by approximately 19,800 movements per year. It will also reduce congestion on the New North Quay and make the area safer and more efficient for lo-lo cargo handling.

 

New and defined traffic lanes and separate entrances to the port are being created so that commercial vehicles and freight vehicles can be separated. Before construction work can start, adequate drainage and defined perimeters also need to be marked out. Brenwal are carrying out the work following a tender process.

 

Ports of Jersey is funding the work from its Trading Fund and not through government funding. During the enabling works, which are due for completion by May 2014, ferry operations will remain unaffected and traffic calming measures are in place for road users. 

 

“Freight shipping is vital to the Island’s economy and we must ensure that the operations and facilities we provide continue to be of the highest standards,” said Group Commercial Director for Ports of Jersey, Myra Shacklady. “Furthermore, we firmly believe this new warehouse area will not only bring significant efficiencies in terms of speed and logistics for the operators involved, but also improve the safety of the surrounding environment by dramatically reducing truck movements along what is already a busy road."

 

Construction of the new warehouse is due to start at the end of 2014 and will take about two years. It will be built using the latest high spec construction materials, including sound efficient insulation panelling for interior soundproofing and a canopy to effectively reduce external noise levels. The depot will also incorporate temperature controlled facilities, meeting European standards and ensuring food products continue to be shipped in safely and ready for distribution.  The construction project and associated costs will be overseen by FerrySpeed.