Ascension : Opening of new Sea Passenger Terminal
Submitted by The Islander (Ascension Island Government) 07.08.2008 (Article Archived on 21.08.2008)

The Ascension Island Government is pleased to announce that those passengers travelling to St Helena on 11th August by RMS will be processed through the new Passenger Handling Facility that has been built in a section of the Warehouse at the Pier head.

The entrance to the Terminal which is sign posted will be from South side to what was the former Works and Commercial Managers Office.

This excellent facility which was funded by European Union was part of Ascension’s allocation from EDF9.

The project which is only partially complete will include the renovation of the second two bays in the Warehouse to include a new Shipping Office where the existing RMS Reception area is and the closing in of the Marine Workshops. 

It is hoped that passengers leaving and arriving can now sit in relative comfort whilst being processed.  Those passengers arriving by sea will be processed by the Immigration Officials in an arrivals lounge within the Terminal and will be able to then collect their cabin baggage from a holding area within the Terminal.

In order for this process to work properly and efficiently there will be a delay in bringing passengers ashore.  This is to allow the Cabin baggage to be brought ashore and sorted prior to the passengers coming ashore. 

In addition to a comfortably furnished departure lounge that includes a play area for children, the Terminal has toilet facilities and drinking water.  There is still some work to be carried out in the Terminal to enhance the facility and this will be done as soon as possible after further equipment arrives.

I would like to advise those persons who accompany passengers to the Pier head that farewells must be done prior to passengers entering the gated entry to the Terminal as it is regretted that no other persons will be allowed beyond that point.

In order for members of public who might wish to view this new facility there will be an open time on Wednesday 6^th August from 2pm to 4pm.

Ascension Island Government would like to publicly thank the European Union for funding this new facility for the Island.   The project was carried out by the Works Department from AIG whose workmen should be congratulated on an excellent job. 

It is hoped that those passengers arriving/departing Ascension by sea will enjoy this facility for years to come. 

Kitty George

Executive Officer, Shipping

04 August 2008