St Malo-based freight operator looks to Guernsey
A NEW freight operator is gauging what interest there is among Guernsey businesses for a service between the island and France.
St Malo-based Nostos Marine is due to start services to Jersey three times a week, and the company is keen to include Guernsey as part of that route.
Co-founder Pierre Vennin said that Brexit had disrupted supply chains on some goods coming from the European Union through the UK, so it had spotted an opportunity for a shorter and less complicated alternative.
The aim is to create an active and flourishing new trade route.
‘We had the intuition that because of Brexit some of the supply chains going from Europe through the UK down to the Channel Islands had interruptions.
‘So it was the proper time for businesses and people in the Channel Islands to get used to trading with France and continental Europe again, because we know that in history that was the case.
‘So far we have focused our efforts on developing links with Jersey and we have strong partnerships with businesses in Jersey, but Guernsey has always been on our roadmap for mid-term development plans and we are thrilled that there is a public discussion about trade routes going into Guernsey happening at the moment.
‘And that’s why we’ve developed the service to cater for that with frequent sailings, like a shuttle going back and forth between Europe and the Channel Islands.’
Nostos Marine’s new vessel, the 55-metre Norwegian-built Southern Liner, arrived in the Breton port last week. Manned by a crew of five it can carry up to 800 tonnes of freight.
The plan is for the boat to deliver materials for the construction industry, such as sand and pre-fabricated building parts.
The firm is also looking to transport agricultural products, such as fertiliser.
Eventually the vision is to have capacity for chilled and frozen goods in order to supply the food and beverage retailers.
Businesses that would like to find out more are asked to email Mr Vennin at contact@nostosmarine.com
