The Government of Jersey has granted Condor Ferries a seven-month extension on its existing contract, ensuring the continuation of vital freight and passenger ferry services to and from the island. The extension comes as Jersey moves forward with a tender process to secure long-term ferry services for both Jersey and Guernsey until 2040.
While Guernsey has already selected Brittany Ferries, the majority shareholder of Condor, to operate its services, Jersey is still deliberating on its choice. Deputy Kirsten Morel, who is leading the tender process for Jersey, said the extension was necessary to “protect our economy” and allow Condor to finalize its summer schedules.
Morel explained that, following the breakdown of the joint tender process, Jersey had invited both final bidders, DFDS and Brittany Ferries, to work alongside the government to find the most suitable long-term ferry solution. A decision on the contract is expected by the end of this year.
Condor Ferries has declined to comment on the latest developments at this stage. Meanwhile, the vice-president of DFDS, Filip Werne Hermann, said his company needed further clarification on the terms of the short-term deal before making a formal response.
The Jersey Hospitality Association, however, expressed frustration with the ongoing uncertainty. Chairman Malcolm Lewis criticized the government’s handling of the tender process, claiming that it had caused “massive harm” to both the island’s hospitality sector and its overall stability.
Guernsey’s decision to proceed with Brittany Ferries for its own services has raised concerns about the possibility of a split between the islands, but Deputy Neil Inder, the President of Guernsey’s Committee for Economic Development, has emphasized that the joint tender process had ended without issues, and that Guernsey would implement a “robust inter-island service” should Jersey choose DFDS over Brittany Ferries.
The two governments are expected to finalize their ferry service contracts soon, with Jersey’s decision looming as the tender process nears its conclusion.