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While work on the marina quays is nearing completion, as is the construction of the fish market, the Direction des Affaires Maritimes (Dam) is already looking ahead. In fact, in his annual activity report, Port Director Ernest Brin lists the works and developments that, in his expert opinion, will be necessary in the coming year. This applies to both the marina and the commercial port. He also mentions the studies that could be launched in the course of 2025.
On the marina
With regard to the ferry terminal, which is still in the final stages of development, the port management suggests a complete reorganization of the terminal parking lot, with separation of passenger transport activities. This will be accompanied by a redevelopment of the "drop-off" area and the construction of three automated toilets in the former fish market.
More broadly, in terms of infrastructure, the report sets out a list of work to be undertaken. From the installation of an access control system for the sanitary facilities to the refurbishment of the rubbish room, the relocation of the SNSM (Société (Société nationale de sauvetage en mer) and reclaiming the pontoon to accommodate passing boats, moving the automatic barrier accessing the Quai Général de Gaulle to the main street (Accesss often blocked by vehicles going shopping in the stores opposite), the refurbishment of the swell breaker with a lengthening of fifty linear meters and the construction of the inner part of the pontoon.and the construction of a pontoon in the inner part to allow access to the tenders, as well as the installation of moorings and signage for the various zones in Saint-Jean bay.
The launch of a number of studies is suggested. For example, the construction of two pontoons reserved for dinghies and mega-yacht tenders. "They don't have a designated place to disembark or embark their clientele, which creates permanent conflicts with other users", stresses the port's management.
Commercial port
In the commercial port, the main issue is occupancy, i.e. available space. Consequently, one of the priorities is to extend the infrastructure. Essentially, this involves filling in the 2,000 square metre inner basin, which will then be used as a cargo and container handling area. To this end, the local authority has already launched a contract with optional tranches for filling the dock. The call for tenders specifies that the estimated cost of the work could amount to five million euros.
The port management report also mentions the relocation of the marine station terminal. As for the studies that need to be launched, the management targets three. One concerns the extension of the quay's outer platform on the south side, the other the securing of the catchment strainers of theSidem's drinking water production plant, and lastly, the creation of additional parking spaces for employees of companies renting commercial premises. By the end of 2024, almost 73 people will be working permanently at the port, and we only have 11 parking spaces," stresses Ernest Brin. There is an opportunity to build this parking lot by covering part of the facility on the eastern side between the building, the road and the beach. This parking lot would be available for light vehicles. The underside would serve as a covered area for unloading containers, or even the creation of an area reserved exclusively for refrigerated containers. "
As the island's commercial and tourist gateway, the port must obviously keep pace with developments on Saint-Barthélemy. The Collectivité cannot afford to cut short investment in the yachting and commercial areas.
