Ports of Jersey has confirmed a commercial agreement for the charter and sale of the workboat Duke of Normandy to Dutch Caribbean operator Lead Marine Contractors.
Built in 2005, the Duke of Normandy has served the Ports of Jersey fleet for nearly two decades. Under the agreement, the vessel will be chartered for two years before a final sale at a market price. The deal secures short-term income and allows for the planned retirement of the vessel. Money from the sale will be reinvested in our Marine Services fleet to drive longer term value for our island.
The Duke will be delivered to the Caribbean in June and re-flagged under Panama, a widely used international ship registry. Ports of Jersey will remain the legal owner during the charter and has retained the right to monitor operations during this time. The name ‘Duke of Normandy’ has been reserved for Ports of Jersey’s future use, and the ship’s bell and naming plaque will be stored in the archive.
To ensure continuity of local towage operations, Ports of Jersey has recently acquired a 15-tonne bollard pull tug, formerly named Devout, which will be renamed Fleur de Lis, and based permanently in St Helier. The vessel provides year-round support for commercial and marine construction activity in local waters.
The Marine Services division operates a fleet of five vessels, working both locally and for global infrastructure projects. The fleet also provides on-board experience and training placements for Jersey-based Merchant Navy cadets and apprentices. This investment generates valuable income and supports Ports of Jersey’s commitment to achieving its strategic business objectives.