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As the battle to decide the Channel Islands' key ferry operator continues, the president of Jersey's main business body has warned the government that any delay to concluding the process will damage the visitor economy.
The Chamber of Commerce's Adam Budworth explained that any delays in announcing a winner could have an impact on bookings for 2025.
So far three major ferry operators have been reported to have put themselves forward to win the tender, including the incumbent, Condor Ferries, whose current agreement is due to end next year.
Danish shipping giant DFDS confirmed its intention to secure the contract in April, while it is understood that Irish Ferries has also submitted a bid.
Pictured: DFDS Vice-President Filip Werne Hermann announced the operator's intention to secure the contract back in April.
Speaking at a Chamber lunch event at the Radisson yesterday, Mr Budworth said: "We were told this week that the tender process for the new ferry operator is nearing completion.
"It is essential this process is concluded as soon as practically possible, so islanders and businesses can plan."
He added that Chamber had recently met Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel to better understand the process for the new ferry contract.
Pictured: Adam Budworth raised concerns over the ferry tender timeline at yesterday's Chamber of Commerce lunch event at the Radisson.
Mr Budworth continued: "I'm not sure we learned much, other than the tender process is being managed very carefully.
"It is not yet finished, no decision has been made, it is not known whether we will have a fast ferry service to and from the UK and there's no clear timeline for that decision and when it will be given.
"The certainty needed for the visitor economy bookings for next spring, coupled with the need for a fast ferry service for many short-break bookings, is crucial."
Mr Budworth said he hoped any delays "can be balanced against the 2025 bookings and any damage to our visitor economy".
The winner of the procurement process, which saw Jersey and Guernsey invite bids from qualified firms earlier this year, is expected to be announced in October.
Pictured: The winner of the ferry contract has not yet been announced.
Next Thursday, Seven Sisters DFDS Seaways will be in St Helier for berthing trials which the Government said were intended to "test the operational parameters of the harbours".
They said it had been "commissioned as part of ongoing testing of contingency plans for a number of possible risks, of which supply links naturally form a key part", adding that the berthing trials had "been planned around existing schedules and there is no anticipated disruption to harbour services".
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