Guernsey to evaluate "Guernsey-only" approach to ferry contract

Tuesday 05 November 2024

Guernsey is set to evaluate a "Guernsey-only" approach from Brittany Ferries and will finalise a contract with the provider before the end of the month, according to the island's Committee for Economic Development.

It comes as a further update from Jersey's Government regarding the island's passenger and freight services is due this evening – though it is understand that a final decision may come later in the week.

DFDS and Brittany Ferries, the parent company of Condor, were both vying for the contract to provide lifeline sea links to Jersey and Guernsey.

Pictured: The competition is between incumbent Condor – which is now majority owned by Brittany Ferries – and Danish operator DFDS.

The agreement was supposed to be a joint decision between both islands, but Guernsey unilaterally announced last Wednesday that it had taken the decision to "push ahead alone" with Brittany Ferries.

Jersey's Government said it had "further questions" for the two frontrunners and held urgent meetings to gain more detailed information relating to their financial stability.

Yesterday, Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel confirmed that the Government of Jersey had received "additional legal advice".

"I understand the frustration of islanders that a decision has not yet been made, but the complications created by the situation we find ourselves in are extensive and we need to ensure we have all the information to make the correct decision," he said last night.

Today, Guernsey's Committee for Economic Development issued a statement confirming that they would evaluate the ‘Guernsey-only’ approach from Brittany Ferries over the next week and, subject to the Committee’s views, finalise a contract within the following 10 days.

This will enable Brittany Ferries to publish its schedules in mid-November, the Committee said.

Pictured: The States of Guernsey Guernsey jointly purchased a new ferry with Condor and loaned the company £26m last year.

Committee President Deputy Neil Inder said: “The Committee and its officers are in regular contact with service users and with Brittany Ferries as we seek to finalise the contractual arrangements and as Brittany Ferries seeks to finalise the schedules.

“There is also ongoing conversation with the Government of Jersey, although at this stage they have not confirmed their plans.”

He added: “Regardless of the decision that the Government of Jersey reaches, we have committed that should we take different approaches we will work together to put in place a robust inter-island service, building on the recent joint agreement with Manches-Iles-Express.

“The partnership with Brittany Ferries also provides opportunities to further develop our community and commercial relationships with Normandy and Brittany, and we are about to begin conversations with them and also with trade bodies on maximising the benefits of the new approach.”