Français
The scale of the project is considerable. For over two months now, the Quai de la République has been undergoing a complete renovation. The work is part of a larger project already underway in various parts of the Port of Gustavia, aimed at modernizing and ensuring the safety of the entire infrastructure. However, it's the work underway on the Quai de la République that is attracting the most attention. All the more so as the work will continue for a few more months. In fact, the work is only due for partial completion in November.
For the time being, the project entrusted to the Bachy Balineau consortium, a subsidiary of Vinci, extends from the former premises of the Comité du tourisme to the ferry terminal. This is only the first phase, however, as work will continue as far as the pétanque court at the entrance to Gustavia, at the level of the breakwater. Work will also be carried out on the ferry terminal to improve its operation.
An overhang over the sea
The entire sheet-pile curtain was very tired," notes Saint-Barthélemy Port Director Ernest Brin. Materials were leaking out. The structure had become fragile. It had been built in 1989 for the arrival of the Transat," says Ernest Brin, Port Director of Saint-Barthélemy, "so after the collapse of a small part of the quay in 2023, it was high time to look at renovating this part of the port.
The main changes will involve widening the quay by 1.60 meters compared with the old structure. Between the ferry terminal and the breakwater, the quay will protrude even further out to sea, by around 2.60 meters. In addition, the entire quay will be raised by 22 centimetres and larger bollards, similar to those already present on the Quai De Gaulle, will replace the old ones. "We're also installing sheaths for electrical outlets, with a view to supplying power to the boats on the quayside in the future," explains Ernest Brin. "The work will also create a new berthing area in the marina for mega yachts and even commercial vessels," adds the local authority. Five bollards will be installed, each with four sockets, enabling ten mega yachts to be moored.
High-tech workshops
For the current work on the quay, technicians and workers from Bachy Balineau (who already carried out a similar operation on the Quai Rockefeller two years ago) are carrying out a series of highly technical workshops. Particularly given the geological nature of Saint-Barthélemy, with its high rock density. This explains the presence of imposing machines that enable us to work with precision. Formwork beams, masonry, paving, sheet-pile curtains, steel plate and micro-pile fixings... The undertaking is colossal, and has to be carried out to a schedule that is as precise as it is tight. Because the start of the tourist season cannot be delayed.
The President of the Collectivité is serene. The work is progressing well," says Xavier Lédée. 50% of the sheet piling has been installed. Will it be finished by November? No. Will it be usable? Yes." For the chairman, the question now is whether it is possible to gain a little time on the forecasts by reorganizing the order of the layouts. "It remains to be seen", he says. For the site as a whole is still far from finished.
In fact, the overall project includes the development of the Quai Rockefeller, the ferry terminal, the existing fish market, the extension of the breakwater and the extension of the commercial port. Work has begun on the Quai du Général de Gaulle, where the canal will be connected to prevent runoff from overflowing the entrance gate on Rue de Suède during heavy rainfall. Work will then progress as far as Quai Gambier. "The work is expected to disrupt boat traffic in the harbor for at least eight months," explains the local authority.
According to Xavier Lédée, the total budget for the works is around eight million euros. This is higher than the original estimate, because some things had been forgotten in the original estimate," he points out. Like a settling basin to collect the rainwater that runs off the road.
Meanwhile, the relocation of services from the ferry terminal next to the harbor master's office on Quai De Gaulle has not made everyone happy. Starting with the shopkeepers facing the ferry terminal, who have suffered a significant loss of income since the disappearance of ferry departures and arrivals. What's more, the new parking areas for hotels and cab drivers near the harbor master's office, where they can pick up travelers, have effectively reduced the number of parking spaces available in Gustavia.
