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An inter-island ferry service could operate on a trial basis early next year an Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel has heard.
Senator Lyndon Farnham informed the panel he will be meeting Paul Luxon, Condor Ferries' CEO, in September to discuss the trial, after similar attempts failed in May when Guernsey's Committee for Economic Development withdrew from the project.
The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture explained his department couldn't get the trial "over the line" because Guernsey hadn't been able to provide their share of funding. He is however hopeful another attempt could prove successful and is meeting Paul Luxon in September to introduce a trial period "from early next year."
He added that the ferry operator are looking into chartering a vessel for a trial period with an option to buy if the trial proved successful.
The subject was brought up during a Scrutiny Panel hearing chaired by Deputy Simon Bree. The deputy asked if the government would be providing assistance to Condor in introducing an inter-island service and where the money would come from. The minister replied: "It depends how much. It would definitely require a subsidy or an underwriting of some amount. We are currently looking at a joint underwriting."
Pictured: Senator Farnham said he will be meeting Condor Ferries' CEO, Paul Luxon in September to discuss another trial.
Having said in late May that a Jersey-only based service could not be "revised", Senator Farnham said he hoped Guernsey would agree to be part of a new agreement and that they indicated they would "consider any proposition."
Condor Ferries' CEO Paul Luxon confirmed that the company is "committed to a trial." He told Express: "The withdrawal at the 11th hour of Guernsey's Economic Committee from the agreement was disappointing and frustrating. We tried to rescue the full-daytrip inter-island service in spite of one pulling out but we couldn't for this year. We did agree with Senator Farnham that we would meet again and reopen the project along the same lines of what was planned.
"We cannot guarantee anything but we are very focused to offer this service as we believe the islands would like to see it. We just need to know if enough people would use it to make it viable and assess if there is market."
As for the price one could expect to pay for this new inter-island service, that should allow visitors to spend a whole day either in Guernsey or Jersey rather than half a day, Mr Luxon stays mum. "The details will be finalised when we reengage in September. The price will depend on financial input but we will try to pitch fares at a level that is reasonable."
Grouville constable, John Le Maistre suggested that the service was not "profitable" otherwise Condor Ferries would have operated it without help. The Minister replied: "I think it is quite the opposite, if they thought it wasn't profitable they wouldn't have suggested it. They were the ones to approach us initially because they know we have concerns about an inter-island service because of the economic impact of people not being able to travel. There are also social and cultural links that are affected if people can't travel."
St. Brelade constable, Stephen Pallett explained that there have been talks with the Sports Council in Guernsey to agree on dates on sporting events. He said: "Condor has been very open and supporting in saying 'If you can give us the numbers, we will put the vessels on. The issue has been getting sports to agree on dates but we will continue to work together."
Pictured: Paul Luxon, Condor Ferries' CEO.
During the hearing, the Minister was also asked if his department would be involved in discussions with Condor Ferries regarding the replacement vessel for the Rapide. The ferry operator confirmed earlier this month they are to replace the vessel, which currently covers the French route, by 2021. Senator Farnham indicated that the rapport with Condor has been "improving over the last two years" and that the company has been keeping his department "fully informed in the process of choosing a new vessel." However, Darren Scott, Assistant Director for Economic Development, said the department will not be involved in the decision, nor will they give input on the suitability of vessel, other than what is contained in the operating agreement.
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