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Jersey and France have formally agreed to work together to create what's been described as a "green corridor" between Jersey and Saint Malo.
Ports of Jersey and the Region of Brittany have signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing to decarbonise shipping activities between the two jurisdictions.
The MoU, which also covers the sharing of expertise, was signed at the annual political summit with the Departmental Council of Ille-et-Vilaine and Guernsey.
It builds on the work started when a separate MoU was signed last year covering transport, tourism and relationships between ports and maritime renewable energies.
Yesterday's summit featured the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the @PortsofJersey and the @regionbretagne, which aims to develop a sustainable maritime route, or “green corridor,” between Jersey and St Malo. pic.twitter.com/NmYz5rZWU2
— Ministry of External Relations Jersey (@GlobalJerseyCI) July 11, 2024
Pictured: Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel, PoJ CEO Matt Thomas, President of the Regional Council of Britanny Loïg Chesnais Girard, and Brittany region Vice President Daniel Cueff during the signing of the MoU.
The summit also saw the group discuss wind farms, and plans for managing fishing in territorial waters, as well as other areas of mutual interest.
Ports' CEO Matt Thomas said he was "pleased to be cooperating with our French neighbours to establish a zero-emission shipping route between Jersey and Saint Malo".
“We are already working with airlines and ferry companies to help them decarbonise, and we will ensure that the redevelopment of Elizabeth Harbour provides the infrastructure needed by future vessels using renewable or low carbon fuel.”
The President of the Regional Council of Britanny, Loïg Chesnais Girard, added: "Relations with our close neighbours in the Channel Islands are important for Brittany.
"We share the same maritime spaces that we are all keen to preserve and make sustainable use of. Brittany will always choose the path of dialogue and cooperation."
Today Jersey welcomed delegates to the annual political summit with the departmental council of @ille_et_vilaine , and the regional council of @regionbretagne alongside Guernsey. Discussions will focus on economic development, education & training, as well as maritime links. pic.twitter.com/L39eh3esdD
— Ministry of External Relations Jersey (@GlobalJerseyCI) July 10, 2024
The President of the Departmental Council of Ille et Vilaine, Jean-Luc Chenut, said the partnership was a "good illustration of fruitful collaboration between two neighbouring territories sharing many crossed interests", including "environmental transition".
Ports of Jersey formally pledged to work towards net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 back in 2022.
In May, the airport and harbour operator unveiled a 'Decarbonisation Roadmap', outlining how it will reduce its energy consumption by 20%, and support its business partners and customers to cut their carbon emissions by 30% – all by 2030.
It also included a target of creating one of the "first operationally net-zero airports in Europe".
Ports isn't alone in its maritime decarbonisation focus.
Condor is working alongside Belfast-based Artemis Technologies to create a battery-operated ship which will fly above the water using an innovative foil system. The UK government last year gave the project a £6m funding boost.
Video: Condor announcing its involvement in the zero-emission ferry project.
Meanwhile, DFDS – which is competing to become the Channel Islands' main ferry operator – says it has plans to create a 72m hybrid-electric ferry.
Meanwhile, the Government last year joined forces with Jersey-born round-the-world 'clean sailor' Phil Sharp to test the use of hydrogen technology.
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