Alderney’s Economic Development Committee has approved funding to support the trial of the additional weekend ferry services operated by the high speed vessel San Pawl.
It intends to improve weekend connectivity for residents and visitors during the peak summer period, and provide an opportunity to trial the operation of a larger passenger vessel serving Alderney.
Economic Development chairman Stuart Clark said it was positive news for the island.
‘These additional sailings will provide more travel options for both residents and visitors during the summer, while also allowing us to trial the operation of a larger passenger vessel serving the island,’ he said.
‘As we continue planning for the future, it’s important that we explore every opportunity to strengthen our transport resilience.
‘This trial complements our existing air and sea links and will provide valuable experience as we continue to develop longer-term connectivity solutions for Alderney.’
The committee had considered the proposal alongside ongoing work to explore alternative transport options and help to inform the States’ work on strengthening transport resilience, ahead of work starting on the runway rehabilitation project.
It said that the additional sailings represented a seasonal trial rather than a long-term commitment with any operator.
The trial will assess passenger demand and explore wider opportunities to improve Alderney’s connectivity.
It is anticipated that the service will commence towards the end of this month.
The Islands Unlimited website is already taking bookings for ferry services to Alderney from 24 July onwards.
n Policy & Resources has admitted there is a risk that essential runway work might now be delayed, having denied it a month ago. It said four interested parties had been invited to submit a bid to tender for the initial contract, but following a review of the scope of the project ‘to align with updated operational evidence’, that now posed a challenge to the programme timeline.
‘These changes, aimed at improving the affordability of the project, will likely delay the commencement of the works, the full extent of which is currently being determined,’ said P&R.
‘In the meantime, we remain aware of the necessity to manage the condition of the existing runway to keep it operational.’
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