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Harbour work needed to protect 'Manxman' from bad weather

DoI will spend millions on improving King Edward VIII pier

Millions of pounds will be spent improving infrastructure at Douglas Harbour to enable the new Manxman ferry to be protected from bad weather.

The Department of Infrastructure is now trying to find companies interested in undertaking the work next summer.

Repairs need to be made to the walls of King Edward VIII Pier and measures taken to protect its foundations against underwater erosion.

The Steam Packet’s new vessel, which is under construction in South Korea, is eight metres longer than the Ben-my-Chree – at 133 meters - and bigger overall.

It’s due to be delivered in April next year.

Fenders and mooring bollards will be replaced at the pier and strengthened to reduce the risk of damage to the pier and the vessel during stormy conditions.

Other work, under the direction of marine engineering experts Royal HaskoningDHV, includes:

  • A new remote mooring dolphin 10m beyond the end of the pier, including fender protection and maritime lighting
  • A new fender dolphin close to the end of the pier
  • Three new 100-ton mooring bollards close to the link span and stern of the ship
  • Modifications to existing fenders to reduce the risk of damage
  • Scour protection, through repairs and rock bag protection, to the berth wall and end of the pier
  • Additional mooring rope winch at the end of the pier
  • Demolition of the blockhouse building

Chris Thomas is the infrastructure minister:

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