DFDS wins Jersey ferry tender
Pressure has immediately mounted on Economic Development Committee president Neil Inder as Jersey finally announced that it was plumping for DFDS to run its ferry services from next spring.
Deputy Inder is set to face a Scrutiny Committee hearing on Monday over the Channel Islands ferry tender process, which ended in chaos last month with the islands apparently split over choice of operator, and Jersey feeling Guernsey had jumped the gun.
Deputy Inder himself pushed to appear when he spoke on the matter in the States at the end of November.
But with Jersey having now, as was widely expected, chosen Scandivanian firm DFDS, the questioning may ramp up a few notches.
The Government of Jersey said that its agreement with DFDS would give the the island greater frequency of ferries to the UK and France in peak periods, faster ferries to the UK, two dedicated high-speed ferries in the summer, and three new ships within the next six years.
Its Economic Development minister Kirsten Morel made the decision with the full backing of the Council of Ministers.
‘We have run a robust procurement process that has been independently moderated, and the results show DFDS to be the strongest strategic partner for Jersey,’ he said.
‘A partnership with DFDS will deliver new investment including new high speed vessels, more sailings in peak periods and a service that is reliable and resilient for islanders, visitors and businesses.’
It has also been agreed that freight users will have a flat rate card, rather than volume-based pricing, and more regular freight sailings at peak times.
Guernsey was expected to sign its contract with Condor and Brittany Ferries last week, but it is understood that has not happened.
Deputy Inder’s appearance before the Scrutiny panel will take place at the Castel Douzaine Room between 10am and noon on Monday. The public can attend and the session will be live-streamed on YouTube.
