The island’s Economic Development Committee has announced that it is launching a new procurement process, inviting bidders to operate the Alderney to Guernsey route for 2026.
A spokesman for the States of Alderney confirmed that the 2025 agreement with Alderney Ferry Services did include an option to extend the contract into 2026 and 2027 if agreed by both parties.
‘On this occasion, the Economic Development Committee decided not to exercise its discretion for the extension,’ he said.
‘The seasonal subsidised service has become an important part of our connectivity. The committee is mindful of the need to demonstrate value for money with the service and agreed that a competitive exercise is the best way of achieving this next year. The 2025 provider can, of course, participate in this process.’
The subsidy had been awarded to local company Alderney Ferry Services for the past three years.
In May last year Stuart Clark, the chairman of Alderney’s Economic Development Committee, said that the company’s service had ‘cemented itself as an essential transport link for the island’ and the States was pleased to have secured an option to extend this service for 2026 and 2027, ‘subject to review’.
Established in 2022, Alderney Ferry Services has expanded from one boat to three in the last three years and as well as running the Guernsey service has introduced a regular service to France.
Director Charlie Smith said the company had had to tender every year and it came as no surprise that the States had chosen to do this again for next year.
‘We will be putting our tender process through as usual but regardless of the outcome Alderney Ferry Services will be operating as we have done since 2022,’ she said. ‘Our schedule for 2026 is open as we will be running from end of March to early October to Guernsey and Cherbourg again. We’ve already had many bookings.’
Island's Jersey ferry subsidy is renewed after a trial year
Alderney’s Economic Development Committee will continue to subsidise a ferry service to Jersey.
The committee said that following a review of a trial service in 2025, it had agreed to continue to support the scheduled summer charter ferry service between the two islands, operated by WaterTaxi CI.
WaterTaxi CI founder Max Boleat said the company was delighted to confirm that the service would continue.
‘Following the successful introduction of this new route in 2025, we look forward to building on its strong foundations and further supporting tourism and connectivity as we expand the service into 2026,’ he said.
Donford Nicholas, head of maritime delivery and business development of Ports of Jersey, said the first year of the service had been a great success.
‘It has delivered improved connectivity and positive feedback from passengers and stakeholders,’ he said. ‘We look forward to working closely with Max and the team to ensure the service continues to thrive, benefitting residents, visitors, and strengthening the economic and social ties between our islands.’
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