THE Danish firm picked to run Jersey’s ferry services says it is focused on getting its routes “up and running” after the losing bidder, Brittany Ferries, launched legal action against the government, claiming that the procurement process had been unfair.
DFDS signed a 20-year passenger and freight contract with the government on New Year’s Eve and last month unveiled a “provisional” timetable, including routes to Poole, Portsmouth and St Malo. The Danish shipping giant previously said it hoped to publish full schedules early in 2025.
However, shortly after the release of the rota it emerged that Brittany Ferries – Guernsey’s preferred bidder – had taken Jersey’s government to court for selecting DFDS following the collapse of a joint process between the Bailiwicks.
The Royal Court ultimately granted Brittany Ferries – Guernsey’s preferred bidder – leave “on a limited basis” to challenge Jersey’s decision after hearing an application on Friday 20 December.
Criticisms put forward by Brittany Ferries in court include concerns over the way the Jersey-only tender had been designed following the collapse of the initial pan-island procurement process, an alleged lack of reasons as to why the French firm was not awarded the contract and claims that certain public statements had “clearly indicated” a preference for DFDS.
In a note to Condor staff seen by the JEP, Brittany Ferries chief executive Christophe Mathieu said he had raised concerns “regarding the fairness and legality of the process”.
“Ultimately, we won the joint tender, but Jersey simply refused to accept the result. They then started a second process with a predictable outcome.”
Responding to queries from the JEP, a DFDS spokesperson said: “We will not comment on the legal actions – we are focused on getting the ferry service up and running from 28 March, when we will start operating.”
The government, meanwhile, has pledged to “robustly defend” its conduct when further court hearings take place this month.
In a statement, the government said it was “disappointed” by Brittany Ferries’ legal challenge but would “respect the court process”.
“Our priority has always been to ensure that the Channel Islands have the best possible ferry services, and the procurement process showed DFDS are best placed to deliver those services,” it continued.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel separately said the signing of the contract with DFDS would “enable us to provide the best possible ferry services for Islanders for the next 20 years”.
DFDS has already released details of two fast ferries and a freight vessel it will use on routes between Jersey, France and the south of England.
Following confirmation of the signing of the new contract earlier this week, DFDS chief executive Torben Carlsen said the company was looking forward to getting started.
“We are excited to embark on this journey,” he said. “The life-line ferry service is a vital link for the island, and we are fully committed to delivering reliability and an enhanced travel and transport experience for Islanders, businesses and visitors – we look forward to building a strong partnership with Jersey and serving the community.”
