Alderney to inspect Danish ferry for inter-island service
THE States of Alderney is set to spend £2,000 on the inspection of a ferry in Denmark.
Resident and long-time ferry campaigner Peter Annereau identified a vessel that he claims would be suitable to carry around 60 passengers to and from Guernsey five times a week in a 75-minute crossing.
He said the 30-year-old Cathrin, previously used for wind farm servicing, could be bought for around £210,000 and operated by a contractor for a £100,000 annual subsidy.
At last month’s Policy and Finance Committee, Louis Jean proposed that the States had a look at the vessel.
Members voted to commission a Danish engineer to inspect it and assess whether it met the requirements for a coded ferry operating between Alderney and Guernsey. P&F earmarked a budget of around £2,000 for the inspection.
Economic development officer Paul Veron said the inspection was to be carried out on the understanding that the vessel would be potentially bought as a ‘community purchase’.
‘Under such an arrangement we did point out that this would effectively be a private investment; the States would be unlikely to provide a guarantee for the investors’ capital,’ he said.
Mr Annereau, while pleased that the States had taken the first step towards establishing an Alderney-Guernsey passenger ferry, said he was of the firm belief that it was the States of Alderney’s duty to buy it.
‘It is as basic as buses are to Guernsey,’ he said.
‘If the States of Guernsey did not own the vehicles they would not have a bus service. It has been claimed that the States of Guernsey would not allow Alderney to buy a boat. I am sure this is not the case and, indeed, the question has never been asked.
‘I am not talking of a huge investment. I have suggested a vessel that could be purchased for around £210,000.
‘The States have earmarked £100,000 a year to support the running costs of an Alderney-Guernsey ferry, which I am confident would be sufficient.’
Mr Annereau presented his idea to the Surface Transport Action Group but members were not convinced of the proposal’s viability.
They recommended no public money be spent on the project.
