Ports of Jersey

This week, we had the pleasure of hosting Franck Bournazel, an Air Traffic Controller from Reims, France, at our Air Traffic Control Tower. Franck is enhancing his English skills through a special programme by the French Civil Aviation Authority, which includes training in the UK, Ireland, and Jersey, and delivered by St Brelade's College. During his visit, Franck observed our team in action, listened to live communications, and experienced the bustling environment of consecutive incoming flights. He shared, "It was very useful to be in that environment and everyone was really welcoming." We're proud to be part of this initiative, which trains 800-850 air traffic controllers annually, focusing on aviation-specific English.

Today, from 9am to 2pm, Government of Jersey's Emergency Planning will conduct a live major incident exercise at Elizabeth Terminal. This involves the Jersey Resilience Forum, Ports of Jersey, Jersey Customs and Immigration Service, and emergency services. Please note, the blue-light activity in the area is part of the exercise, not an actual incident. Volunteer actors will be participating, some appearing distressed or in need of medical attention. The Terminal will close to the public at 8.30am, but passenger travel won’t be disrupted as no shipping movements are scheduled.

Celebrating World Habitat Day 🌍🌳🌸 Today, our Habitat Maintenance Team were joined by volunteers to clear the eastern reed beds. This essential maintenance ensures the reed beds remain effective at filtering rainwater and chemicals from the runways before winter sets in. They cut down reeds, allowing the volunteers to rake up cuttings and remove excess soil and moss. Together, the team manages 100 hectares of green spaces across the Ports estate—equivalent to 140 Old Trafford football pitches! Within these areas, they care for grasslands, wooded areas, and several beautiful gardens. #WorldHabitatDay #GreenSpaces #TeamWork #Sustainability #CommunityEffort

Today, we are proudly raising the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) flag at both the airport and the harbour to promote awareness of their 17 goals and demonstrate our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future for our Island. Our Ports' Planet and People plan outlines our ambitious sustainability goals, aligned with the UN Global Goals, focusing on four key areas where we can make the most significant impact. Learn more about our efforts here: https://ow.ly/WBZi50PP4uh Discover more about the United Nations’ SDGs here: https://ow.ly/V5Uy50PP4ui

Our first Beach Clean event for Great British Beach Clean Week took place this Saturday. In collaboration with Littlefeet Environmental and Healing Waves UK 22 volunteers from Ports of Jersey and the charities helped to clean up the shoreline. Despite the challenge of debris being washed back out to sea, the team still collected 4kg of beach litter. We will be doing more beach cleans this week.

Meet Adam Hart, Marine Operations Apprentice, whose role at Ports of Jersey is full of variety. Adam’s love for the water drew him to the Ports Pathway. After deciding university wasn’t the right fit, he was eager for a hands-on career, and the Marine Trainee role was the perfect opportunity. Starting out on the Ports Pathway, Adam’s journey has been packed with experiences. He’s spent time with the Coastguard and VTS, worked at Marinas, and taken on exciting trips on Marine Services vessels across the UK and the Netherlands. He also completed an incredible month-long Atlantic crossing from the Falklands to the Canary Islands, gaining valuable sea time. Among his proudest accomplishments is earning his Yachtmaster certification and restoring three 80-year-old mines for the Shipwrecked Mariners Society—an incredibly rewarding project. Passing his Yachtmaster exams required extensive preparation, including 2,500 sea miles and mastering theory on chart work and collision regulations. Now, with his Yachtmaster certification in hand, Adam is setting his sights on becoming a Pilot Boat Coxswain. Next up: his local knowledge exam and building more on-water experience! #OurPeopleatPorts #notyouraverage9to5

Huge congratulations to Airport Firefighters Ross, Curtis, Jack, Mark, Neil, and Marcin for conquering the National Three Peaks Challenge last week! A special shoutout to their retired colleague, Alan, who provided crucial support as their driver and crew. Despite battling snow and tough weather conditions, the team completed the climbs of Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), Scafell Pike, and Ben Nevis in an impressive 23 hours and 30 minutes! Marcin shared, "It was harder than expected, but we’re all thrilled with the result." Check out their incredible summit times: 🏔 Snowdon: 2 hours 30 minutes 🏔 Scafell Pike: 2 hours 30 minutes 🏔 Ben Nevis: 4 hours 30 minutes The team also raised over £3,000 for Soccer Stars Juniors, a charity founded by Mark that provides free football sessions for young people aged 7 to 14 with learning or physical disabilities. Well done, team! 👏 #ThreePeaksChallenge #SoccerStarsJuniors

We are very pleased to sponsor Jessica Hepburn’s appearance at this year’s Jersey Festival of Words. Her book 'Save me from the Waves' celebrates the positive impact of taking on some of the world’s most iconic endurance challenges, which Jessica has used to turn her own sadness into something positive. Jessica Hepburn is the first and only woman in the world to have swum the English Channel, run the London Marathon and climbed Mount Everest. Despite hating exercise, Jessica achieved this feat in her forties, while listening to her favourite radio show, Desert Island Discs. Jessica will be in conversation with local resident and fellow Channel swimmer and Everest climber, Eric Blakeley, on Sunday 29 September at 4.30pm at the Jersey Arts Centre. You can buy tickets for the festival at https://lnkd.in/gBEWVane

Today, we're observing Merchant Navy Day by proudly flying the Jersey Red Ensign at The Steam Clock, Maritime House and other harbour flagstaffs. This day honours the brave seafarers and fishers who have served, highlighting the vital role of merchant seafarers, responsible for over 95% of Britain's trade. The title "Merchant Navy" was first awarded by King George V to British merchant seafarers in recognition of their sacrifices during World War I. Throughout history, the Merchant Navy has played a crucial role, from enduring significant losses in World War II to supporting the Falklands Campaign in 1982. Merchant Navy Day, officially recognised since 3 September 2000, serves as a reminder of the ongoing contributions of these men and women.

We have entered a new partnership with EVie, bringing electric car sharing to Jersey Airport and Elizabeth Terminal. Starting on 5 September, you can conveniently travel to and from the airport and harbour using EVie’s eco-friendly A2B service. With ten dedicated EVie parking spaces at the airport and four at Elizabeth Terminal, getting around is greener and easier. Simply check the EVie app to find and book a car, drive to your destination, and park in one of the allocated spaces. This collaboration is a key step in our decarbonisation journey, offering sustainable choices for Islanders and visitors alike. We look forward to expanding this service to our marinas and historic harbours soon. Learn more about how the EVie A2B Service works: https://lnkd.in/euU_x7yh