Rise in Condor passengers is attributed to new timetable

Condor Voyager tied up at Elizabeth Harbour Picture: ROB CURRIE. (38914512)

JOURNEYS between Jersey and Guernsey this summer on Condor Ferries were up 75% compared to last year.

A total of 15,369 people made trips between the Channel Islands, with 8,766 undertaking the journey last year, according to new figures released by Condor.

The statistics cover the “peak period” from 14 July to Tuesday 3 September.

Meanwhile, there was also a 16% rise in foot and car passengers on services to and from the UK and France.

Across all routes, figures were up 14% on last year.

Condor interim chief executive Christophe Mathieu said the numbers were “very encouraging”.

He claimed they would “not have been achievable under the previous timetable, which was adjusted at the start of the season”.

Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries and interim chief executive of Condor Ferries. Picture: ROB CURRIE. (38914509)

Mr Matthieu argued that the changes had “improved the frequency of sailings” from St Malo and Jersey, and that capacity for UK journeys had increased since Condor Islander was brought into service this summer.

Condor has also reported strong growth in late-summer and autumn bookings across all routes, with car volumes back to pre-Covid levels.

Mr Mathieu added: “The success of this summer, coupled with positive indicators for the off-peak months and into next year, offers optimism that 2025 could be a good season for the Island.”

Ana and Marcus Calvani, co-chief executives of the Jersey Hospitality Association, welcomed the increase.

They said: “It’s been a jam-packed summer in Jersey. The association closely monitors the arrival figures, and we have appreciated the changes that Condor Ferries has made, helping us to tailor offerings and experiences to suit passengers as soon as they arrive.”

Britanny Ferries announced last month that it planned to increase its stake in Condor. The French firm intends to become a majority shareholder over the next few weeks. The deal is subject to regulatory approval from authorities in both bailiwicks.

Britanny Ferries is vying with Danish shipping firm DFDS to win the new contract to run the Channel Islands’ passenger and freight services.

The latest report from Condor UK Holdings – the investment company under which Condor Ferries sits – stated that winning the tender from March 2025 was “fundamental” to the operations of the company and the wider group.

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