Press Release - Crane engineers arrive 26.02.2021

Alderney's new crane takes shape this weekend

A UK team of fitters is now on Alderney with a mission to piece together the Island's new harbour crane.

The four engineers arrived on board the True Blue charter vessel from Poole on Friday (February 26) and will live and work in isolation to follow all Covid-19 protocols. Private residential accommodation has been arranged with catered meals provided by approved critical workers.

The crane parts were delivered to Alderney in two separate shipments on the MV Trinity sailing from Poole in January and now a vehicle and fitting equipment have also been delivered. The men work for E.H. Hassell & Son, partner company to the crane's manufacturer, Sennebogen.

The team was due to carry out the work last month but bad weather delayed their arrival.

Construction is expected to take three to four days, working around shipping movements, during which time full Covid-19 restrictions and protocols will remain in place.

Boyd Kelly, Chairman of the General Services Committee, said: "I am pleased to announce that following the arrival of the fitters from Hassell's, we will soon have a new and fully operational crane to service the Island. This piece of plant is vital to the wellbeing of the island community as the vast majority of our food, goods and building equipment arrive by sea.

"It is unfortunate that weather prevented the fitters' earlier arrival but I am grateful to the harbour staff for their preparatory work in ensuring Hassell's men meet all the Covid restrictions regarding accommodation, transport and a safe working environment."