CONDOR Ferries has been invited to extend its current contact for seven months following eleventh-hour talks over the future of Jersey’s passenger and freight ferry services – while ministers continue work to find the best “long-term” solution.
In a statement this afternoon, Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said the decision had been made “in the interests of the public, the hospitality industry, and to protect our economy”.
Jersey’s politicians have been considering “additional legal advice” and having “further positive discussions” on whether the Island would choose Danish shipping giant DFDS, or Brittany Ferries – the parent company of Condor – to provide ferry services to Islanders for the next 15 years.
Ministers were thrown into crunch talks last week after Guernsey, which had previously been working with Jersey on a joint-decision, revealed it did not want to wait any longer and announced Brittany Ferries as its preferred bidder.
Deputy Morel said: “In the interests of the public, the hospitality industry, and to protect our economy, we have invited Condor Ferries to confirm a seven-month extension to the current Operating Agreement.
“This will bring certainty by enabling Condor Ferries to publish its summer schedules.
“Following the breakdown of the joint Channel Islands tender process, we have invited both final bidders, DFDS and Brittany Ferries, to work with the Government of Jersey as we find the best solution for our long-term ferry services.”
