Having secured a Guernsey-only contract through a pan-island process in 2024, the French company started services at the end of March last year, and has built services and reputation during the year while also absorbing the operations and phasing out the name of Condor Ferries at the same time.
‘Brittany Ferries exists to connect people, facilitate trade and enrich the regions we serve,’ said CEO Christophe Mathieu.
‘At the start of this new era, we made a clear commitment that the island will be put first, services will improve and benefits felt by all.
‘Our Channel Islands’ business has seen wholesale changes over the past year in terms of ownership, philosophy and the business model.
‘It’s not just the rebranding of the Condor ships – we are new owners, with different aims, fresh thinking and a strong skill set.
‘Operations have been enhanced, our timetabling is smarter and reliability and timekeeping have improved significantly. These are delivering benefits for Guernsey and the continued strong forward bookings underline growing consumer confidence.’
Brittany Ferries said it felt it had made ‘significant progress’ since securing a 15-year contract with the island and the States agrees.
‘A year ago, we began a new chapter with Brittany Ferries and the results have been outstanding,’ said Economic Development Committee president Sasha Kazantseva-Miller.
‘What started as a contractual agreement has flourished into a cross-government and cross-industry partnership and that is putting the Bailiwick of Guernsey on the map.
‘From boosting visitor numbers and freight, to improving our cultural and sporting links, the joint efforts of Visit Guernsey, Guernsey Ports, the Guernsey Customs & Immigration Service, Heritage Guernsey, the Chamber of Commerce and other stakeholders have all been a testament to what we can achieve together. This has never been about just improving travel links, rather we are building a long-term foundation for Bailiwick-wide prosperity.’
Brittany, which took majority share ownership of Condor in 2024, now is claiming 52% of the Channel Islands’ market from France and the UK by sea.
Over the course of the year ships, staff and ports signage have taken on Brittany Ferries livery.
The company recently concluded an agreement to market Islands Unlimited’s sailings to Jersey and has further plans to link Guernsey with Herm, Sark and Alderney through similar arrangements with the local ferry operators.
‘We are encouraged by this progress but there is more to do,’ said Mr Mathieu.
‘We continue to leverage the Brittany Ferries’ brand and are working closely with the States of Guernsey, Visit Guernsey and industry partners to improve trade, sporting and cultural links.’
The company is also offering savings of up to 30% on its wider network when booked alongside a Condor service, including trips to Spain and Ireland.
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