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The Economic Development Minister has promised an announcement on the successful bidder for the Channel Islands' key ferry contract "soon", following pressure from Condor and local business leaders – but the exact date remains unclear.
Three major ferry operators have put themselves forward to win the contract – Condor, Danish shipping giant DFDS and Irish Ferries – and trials have been conducted with Brittany Ferries and DFDS vessels over the course of this year.
In a joint statement issued last night, Condor, its parent company Brittany Ferries, Jersey's Chamber of Commerce and the Jersey Hospitality Association denounced what they termed an "unacceptable" delay and said that the uncertainty had already been "detrimental to the islands' visitor economies".
Bidders were told that the contract would be awarded by the "end of September at the latest", with the tender process now "nearly a month behind schedule", the statement said.
Guernsey's Chamber of Commerce this morning added that its members were also concerned.
Executive Director Alice Gill commenting: "The Chamber recognises that the thorough due diligence and governance when making significant decisions affecting our community takes time. However, the overdue decision regarding this contract is now impacting business operations on the island."
The island's current ferry provider has banded together with business and hospitality leaders to call for an end to the "prolonged impasse" in confirming the winner of the new contract – warning that tourism "will end up as collateral damage".
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"A timely resolution is crucial, as local businesses need clarity to make informed plans and investments for the upcoming year. We urge all relevant parties to prioritise this matter, ensuring that our business community can move forward with confidence and stability in planning for the future," she said.
Jersey's Economic Development Kirsten Morel released a statement this afternoon.
He said: “We recognise the importance of this decision to all islanders, and we’re committed to securing a reliable and resilient ferry service for the next decade and beyond.
“We are making an extremely important and complex commercial decision, and we need to get it right.
“Detailed consideration is being given to the submitted bids and we will be making an announcement very soon.
“In the meantime, Condor has a Service Level Agreement with the Government of Jersey to continue to provide ferry services until the end of March 2025.”
No comments on the matter have been issued by the States of Guernsey.
Follow Express for updates...
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