Guernsey and Jersey to discuss long-term ferry operating deal

Condor currently provides the majority of passenger and freight ferry services and has an operating agreement with Jersey.

However, that will expire next year.

A joint statement from both governments said there had been comprehensive discussions between the islands about the future provision of sea connectivity, and the first stage of drawing up a new agreement would involve market testing.

They stated that they were confident there was a ‘contestable market for the provision of sea connectivity’.

Guernsey’s Economic Development president Neil Inder said sea connectivity was vital for the islands.

‘It is clear to both islands that in order to get the best outcomes for our community, our economy and our visitors that we must work in lockstep,’ he said.

‘We are starting this process now in order to make sure it’s completed in good time for when the current agreement comes to an end.

‘We will welcome competitive submissions from prospective operators, including of course the current and long-standing operator Condor.

‘The priority is of course ensuring the best possible freight and passenger services for the Channel Islands’ market are secured.’

The market testing comes during the winding-down period of the incumbent’s current agreement, which ends in March 2025 with Jersey, with the desire for both islands to offer one market and one opportunity for interested bidders.

Jersey’s Sustainable Economic Development minister Kirsten Morel said the process aimed to ensure there was the best possible freight and passenger services for the Channel Islands.

‘Condor has an operating agreement with Jersey, and a memorandum of understanding with Guernsey to provide our sea connectivity: 98% of goods consumed in Jersey arrive by sea, so every islander and every island business is reliant on these services,’ he said.

‘We are in the winding down period of the current operating agreement, which ends in 2025. This is, therefore, the right time to look at what all operators in the market believe they can deliver in terms of resilience, reliability, passenger experience and sustainability.

‘This procurement is an open and competitive process and we strongly encourage interest and engagement from all ferry operator parties within this initial market testing phase.’

Commodore was founded in 1947 and later rebranded as Condor Ferries in 1964.

It initially provided passenger service between France and the Channel Islands before launching a UK to Channel Islands service in 1987.

It now operates a year-round service, carrying almost one million passengers and 200,000 passenger vehicles annually.

Condor is expected to comment today on the announcement.