Seeka on Location: Surveying Gorey Pier, Jersey

Earlier this year, Our Seeka team had the opportunity to travel to Jersey for a unique and exciting project- surveying Gorey Pier after cracks were identified following Storm Ciarán.

Gorey Pier is one of the island’s most recognisable landmarks, sitting beneath the impressive Mont Orgueil Castle and serving as both a working pier and a community space. When signs of structural weakness appeared, a large-scale investigation was launched to assess the pier’s condition and plan for its stabilisation.

Kemp’s utility survey division, Seeka, was invited to join the project by GeoDefinition, who were leading the geophysical survey design on behalf of main contractor Terra Firma. Our role was to collect detailed Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data to support the wider investigation.

On the Ground: A Surveyor’s View

For Aaron, our Lead Utility Surveyor, this was a project full of firsts, not least because it took him beyond UK shores.

“The main challenge for me was managing pedestrians,” Aaron explained. “The pier was open throughout, so we had to work around both people out for a walk and vehicles linked to the fishing boats. Working alongside Neill from GeoDefinition was a huge help as he managed pedestrians around me while I pushed the GPR and even arranged for parked vehicles to be moved so I could get the coverage I needed.”

The tides brought their own complications too. Trial holes were being dug along the beach, meaning survey works had to be coordinated carefully to avoid overlap and delays.

And then there was the GPS. Unlike UK projects, where correction signals are straightforward, in Jersey the team needed to connect to the French network, something that was another first for our team. Luckily the team at Korec were there to ensure we were able to connect smoothly.

Tools of the Trade

For this project, Seeka deployed the Stream DP GPR, paired with a Trimble R12i GPS to collect data. The collected data was then processed through IQ Maps, creating time slices that were shared with GeoDefinition to integrate into the wider dataset.

At the same time, GeoDefinition used additional electromagnetic profiling equipment, a GSSI EMP-400 for shallow depths and a CMD-2 by GF Instruments for deeper layers, giving a complete picture of the pier’s subsurface condition.

This collaboration meant that every aspect of the structure, from surface cracks to deeper integrity, could be investigated with precision.

Working Together

One of the standout aspects of the project was the teamwork between different companies on site.

• Trial hole contractors asked Seeka to survey the precise positions of their excavations.
• Vehicles were moved to allow full coverage of the pier surface.
• Seeka and GeoDefinition brought complementary expertise, working side by side with ease.

“It’s the kind of project where collaboration really shines,” Aaron reflected. “Everyone respected each other’s roles, and that meant we could deliver the best possible results for the client.”

Neill from GeoDefinition agreed: “The great thing about working with Seeka is how naturally we operate as a team. We’ve collaborated for years, and it’s always smooth, respectful, and productive.”

A Memorable Experience

For the Seeka team, this project was as memorable personally as it was professionally.

“Working outside the UK for the first time was a big moment,” Aaron said. “To be collaborating with well-known companies like Terra Firma on such a high-profile project; that really stood out for me.”

Neill also noted the unique setting: “The weather certainly helped, but working in the shadow of Gorey Castle made the experience even more special. The project attracted plenty of local interest too, and  we even ended up on the local BBC news!”

Why This Project Stood Out

Alongside its historical significance, Gorey Pier remains a working pier at the heart of daily life on the island. Storm damage and the natural wear of time made it clear that a careful investigation was needed to ensure it remained safe for the local community.

For the Seeka team, being part of the project was genuinely exciting. It’s not every day that you get to help protect a landmark, so this job wasn’t just about collecting data, it was about providing the insights needed to make informed decisions for its future.

It was one of those jobs that reminded us why we love what we do: collaborating with skilled partners like GeoDefinition, tackling challenges in a unique setting, and leaving a tangible mark on an important project.