17 July 2012
The UK company, Solent Stevedores, has won the stevedoring licence for Jersey's harbours. The company is described as financially strong with a proven track record in operations and safety management, a commitment to reinvest in the future business and work more closely with the Port of Jersey, together with an assurance to re-employ existing local workers.
The company has been appointed as the sole provider of stevedoring services at Elizabeth Harbour and the New North Quay, following the announcement that the current operator, George Troy & Sons Ltd, had gone into liquidation. As a result of this liquidation and to minimise any negative impact on the stevedoring service, a competitive tender process was immediately implemented by Port of Jersey in May.
There was initial interest from 12 firms, with 5 submissions received, including some from Jersey based companies. Following a panel interview, the preferred bidder was identified and the licence agreement is expected to be signed by the Minister for Economic Development, Senator Alan Maclean, in the next few weeks.
Solent Stevedores
In its 12 years of operating, Solent Stevedores has steadily built a solid and reliable reputation, running a successful stevedoring service in Southampton and on the River Thames for a number of major clients, including global foods manufacturer Tate & Lyle.
The company employs 104 people and has assets worth £1.9million, consisting of buildings, vehicles, plant and machinery. In 2012 its UK operation expects to handle some 2.5million tonnes and 500,000 passengers. The company has also committed to re-employing existing local staff required for its Jersey operation and hopes that within 6 months this will include a locally qualified stevedore manager.
Although the new company’s exact terms and conditions remain confidential it is known that these will include significant investments such as staff training, to allow for a more flexible shift pattern, as well as personal pensions for employees and new equipment.
Important service
Announcing the successful licence holder, Senator Maclean said "More than 90% of goods coming in and out of Jersey will be handled by this stevedoring service so it was essential that every step was taken to ensure we recruited the most appropriate service for the Island’s needs.
"We have received numerous endorsements of the high standards of service offered by Solent Stevedores from other business partners and I am particularly delighted that the company will be seeking to recruit from the existing workforce, which was one of my initial concerns."
Following a review of the recommendations and processes adopted, Port of Jersey has been praised by the Jersey Competition Regulation Authority (JCRA) for its due diligence in the tender process. The JCRA is fully supportive of the decision to award the licence to Solent Stevedores.
Recognising success
Solent Stevedores' Managing Director, Stuart Cullen, said "We are very proud to have been offered this opportunity and are very much looking forward to working closely with the Port of Jersey and its customers. Our company’s ethos is firmly people focused. Our primary emphasis will be to provide an inclusive working environment that will give staff the opportunity to be seen to succeed and be recognised for it."
Senator Maclean concluded "I would like to express our appreciation of George Troy & Sons, and in particular the workforce, for their professionalism throughout this challenging period, during which the men have continued to perform admirably."
The licence comes into effect from Saturday 4 August 2012 for a period of 9 years.
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