New harbour management contract awarded

Published: 12 January 2023

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From 1 April 2023, Ventnor Haven Management Ltd will operate all aspects of the harbour, including supervision, the collection of mooring fees, maintenance and the removal of seaweed.

The contract, worth £78,000 per annum, represents a significant annual saving for the council which last year spent £103,000 on seaweed removal alone.

Ventnor Haven Management Ltd was one of two parties to tender for the contract.

The company is newly formed and has its roots in the Ventnor Haven Fishery, which it owns and operates from within the harbour.

One of the key changes proposed is a move away from diesel to electricity to remove seaweed from the harbour.

Councillor Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for infrastructure, highways and transport, said: "Ventnor Haven Management Limited’s directors have been involved with the harbour throughout its history and have an in-depth knowledge of the area.

"The new contract will help safeguard the future of this important Ventnor asset and bring about improvements, while providing a significant annual saving for the council taxpayer." 

The decision to award the contract was taken by Councillor Jordan under delegated powers today (Thursday).