Staying on board
CONDOR FERRIES will stay in local waters next year and beyond, the States has revealed – but it is far from certain whether its ships will be sailing to Jersey.
In a surprise move, the Economic Development Committee announced that it was plumping for Brittany Ferries – which submitted the tender rather than Condor – in the pan-island tender process, while Jersey’s government has not yet committed.
Jersey was expected to make a statement today.
But last night’s statement exposed a barely-kept secret over the past few weeks – that despite all the comments to the contrary about the joined-up tender process, the two islands were at least 20 miles apart on which operator they wanted.
‘The committee has not taken the decision to push ahead alone at this stage lightly, but following the objective evaluation process Brittany Ferries’ bid was successful, and we are committed to providing certainty to islanders as soon as we were able to do so,’ said Economic Development president Neil Inder.
It is possible that the two islands will now go their separate ways, Deputy Inder admitted, but he said they would carry on talking.
Jersey’s government issued a statement in response: ‘We recognise the importance of this decision and we are doing everything possible to ensure a swift conclusion.’
It said it was planning to meet with Brittany and rival bidder DFDS within the next 24 hours. ‘We have further questions that need to be answered.’
Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries, said the firm was ‘thrilled’ and grateful for the opportunity.
‘As we have maintained from the beginning, we have the right ships, the right schedule and experience to support the Bailiwick in the long term,’ he said.
‘We also look forward to the Government of Jersey joining us in this initiative. With over 70 years of providing freight and passenger services to Guernsey and Jersey, collaborating will allow us to optimise the schedule for the benefit of both islands.’
