Jersey offers Condor a seven-month extension
Jersey has offered Condor a seven-month extension to operate to and from the Channel Islands next summer but has again delayed a proper decision on the ongoing ferry tender saga.
A week after Guernsey announced its intentions to go with Brittany Ferries, Jersey’s government, facing intense criticism within the island, finally made a fudge of an announcement.
‘In the interests of the public, the hospitality industry, and to protect our economy, we have invited Condor Ferries to confirm a seven-month extension to the current operating agreement,’ said Sustainable Economic Development minister Kirsten Morel.
‘This will bring certainty by enabling Condor Ferries to publish its summer schedules.’
He said Jersey still wanted both ferry tenderers, Brittany and DFDS, to work with the government to find ‘the best solution for our long-term ferry service’.
Deputy Morel also referenced the ‘break down’ of the 10-month tender process, a claim which was robustly denied last night by Guernsey’s Economic Development president Neil Inder. He said his team were continuing to work up plans with Brittany Ferries and talking to Jersey.
‘We will make sure that we continue to take steps that protect Guernsey services in the future, whatever the outcome in Jersey,’ he said. ‘We hope Jersey joins us in a single solution, but respect it is their decision to make.
‘Guernsey’s position is that the joint tender process did not break down. Joint scoring was closed by both islands prior to the Committee for Economic Development making its decision.’
Brittany Ferries and Condor declined an opportunity to comment yesterday.
