Out for a Dukw

The Jersey Heritage Trust has appointed a new company to run the 60-year-old amphibious service after the directors of the previous operator, Puddleducks, announced that they were giving up to pursue other interests. Their replacement, Pure Adventure Jersey, have signed a ten-year agreement and will use two custom-built vessels currently being built in America. The 9m-long ‘Aquaducks’ will seat 36 passengers and have large windows in the floor and will be able to drive on roads around the Island, subject to licence. Three companies bid to run the amphibious service and Pure Adventure was the only one choosing not to take on the existing Dukws. The first Aquaduck is not due to leave New York until early April and is due to take a couple of weeks to reach Jersey. It will then have to undergo sea and road trials before being granted a licence to operate. As a result, Elizabeth Castle will not reopen on 31 March as planned and is likely to remain closed until the new vessels have been given the go-ahead.