Jersey minister confirms possible short-term extension to Condor Ferries contract
ITV Channel's Jonathan Wills and Alex Spiceley question Deputy Morel on the future of Jersey's ferry services
Broadcast live on Wednesday 6 October
A Jersey minister has confirmed that Condor Ferries has been invited to extend its current contract.
Deputy Kirsten Morel has confirmed that the island's government would like to offer the ferry service - which Brittany Ferries recently secured its ownership over - a seven-month extension to its operating contract.
He adds that DFDS and Brittany Ferries are the final bidders for a longer-term solution.
Guernsey's Deputy Neil Inder has noted the announcement, saying that they will "continue our discussions with Brittany Ferries" adding they hope Jersey joins the States of Guernsey "in a single solution".
The announcement follows a lengthy bidding process to determine which ferry service will provide passenger and freight services to Jersey and Guernsey.
In a statement, Sustainable Economic Development Minister, Deputy Kirsten Morel says:
"In the interests of the public, the hospitality industry, and to protect our economy, we have invited Condor Ferries to confirm a 7-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."
In response, Deputy Neil Inder, President of the Committee for Economic Development, states:
"We note Jersey's announcement. We will continue our discussions with Brittany Ferries and with the government of Jersey, follow developments closely and ultimately make sure that we continue to take steps that protect Guernsey services in the future, whatever the outcome in Jersey.
‘As stated since making our decision, we hope Jersey joins us in a single solution but respect it is their decision to make.
"I would also take this opportunity to clarify that Guernsey’s position is that the joint tender process did not break down. Joint scoring was closed by both islands prior to the Committee for Economic Development making its decision."
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