THE third-largest vessel ever to berth in Jersey arrived in the Harbour yesterday.
Brittany Ferries conducted a berthing trial with the 151-metre Bretagne as part of its “business continuity plans”.
By comparison, Condor Ferries’ Commodore Goodwill and Commodore Clipper are 126m and 129m respectively.
Brittany Ferries is a shareholder of Condor, which is vying with Danish shipping firm DFDS to win the new contract to run the Channel Islands’ passenger and freight services.
Speaking to the JEP recently, Condor interim chief executive Christophe Mathieu, who is also the chief executive of Brittany Ferries, said that while a scenario in which two operators ran services side-by-side was not impossible, it “would not last long”.
He added that he was confident Condor would win the now-published tender.
DFDS unveiled plans for a hybrid-electric ferry in April as part of its bid for the tender, and has also gathered feedback at an open meeting, while Condor has said larger vessels could be used in the islands.
Brittany Ferries announced yesterday that it would be exploring “design and technical requirements” for a 137m zero-emissions craft, after signing a partnership with marine technology firm Wärtsilä and Tasmanian shipbuilder Incat.
