Condor Ferries will not accept seven-month extension to contract in Jersey

Deputy Kirsten Morel told the States "it's very very important that Jersey has a ferry service it can rely on" and adds he will approach DFDS Seaways if they can provide a short-term solution for Jersey's ferry services. Credit: ITV Channel

A Jersey minister says Condor Ferries has rejected a seven-month extension to their current operating contract, putting the future of the island's ferry service in doubt.

Economic Development Minister, Deputy Kirsten Morel confirmed last week that the island's government would invite the ferry service to extend its contract by seven months.

However, in a States Meeting today (Tuesday 12 November) on the anticipated financial implications of a ferry service, Deputy Kirsten Morel said that Condor had rejected this offer, having previously said they were "surprised and disappointed" by the offer.

It would have seen Condor maintain services in the short-term until October 2025, with either DFDS or Brittany Ferries becoming the long-term ferry service providers.

Deputy Morel says he will decide which operator will run ferry services "in the short term and the long term" within the next month.

He added a new contract will be drawn up to be more robust, hold the chosen operator to account, and ensure they have the financial capability to decarbonise their fleet.

Speaking to ITV Channel's Emma Volney, Deputy Morel suggested he would approach DFDS to ask if they could provide a short-term solution to Jersey's ferry services from March 2025.

Guernsey has already confirmed that they are continuing discussions with Brittany Ferries, but adds they hope both Bailiwicks can find "a single solution".

However, Deputy Morel told the States: "The opportunity has been denied to work together [...] We continue to be in discussions with both companies.

"We have to have a financially resilient operator that is not just able to last 15 years of contract but during that is able to deliver these islands brand new vessels that they deserve.

"I am really concerned about the idea that we sign up to a ferry service that in just two or three years' time may ask for further funding to bail [them] out [...] That is what I'm trying to avoid."

A Condor Ferries spokesperson responded to Deputy Morel's announcement, stating: "I can confirm Brittany Ferries has declined the extension and has no further comment to make at present."

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