A new five-year contract to manage Ventnor Harbour has been awarded by the Isle of Wight Council.
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).
