Manche Iles preferred option for inter-island ferry service

French company Manche Iles has been chosen to run an inter-island ferry service providing an agreement can be made between the islands' governments and the ferry operator, Guernsey's President for Economic Development has revealed.

Deputy Charles Parkinson said negotiations were taking place with the company to run the trial link between Guernsey and Jersey this summer, with the possibility of an additional service to Alderney.

The islands' governments put out a tender last year for a ferry operator to run day trips between the islands, with nine companies expressing interest and two formal tender submissions.

Guernsey's Economic Development Committee says no formal award has been made as yet but they aim to have a service in operation by the beginning of May.

The proposal put forward by Manche Iles does not require financial support or underwriting from either island. The Committee also said the company's submission did not fully meet the scheduling requirements but offers 25,000 extra seats.