Alderney States denies delaying licence for ferry

The ferry service announced it had put the Causeway Explorer boat up for sale

The States of Alderney has denied "dragging its feet" on issuing a ferry passenger licence.

The Alderney Ferry Service announced it was unable to take bookings for crossings between Alderney and Guernsey until 1 November due to "waiting" on the States to grant a licence for its new vessel.

The Dart Fisher has been purchased to operate year-round sailings, but the firm said without a licence the plans were currently "up in the air".

At a meeting on Wednesday, States members were told the Harbour Authority provided full guidance and assistance to the ferry company on the practical and safe operation of the vessel.

Charlie Smith, director of Alderney Ferry Service, said not knowing whether the States would say "yes or no" meant they could not open their booking system.

She said: "We have many regular passengers who travel with us, and we also do a lot of medical bookings from Alderney to Guernsey.

"Most people want to travel with us for our reliability, so us not being able to open our booking system means nobody is able to make plans."

'Unfounded'

In a statement the States said it has been "supportive of AFS through provision of subsidies, extending the cost cap of those subsidies to provide additional rotations for our community, extending the tourism season into the shoulder months, and assisting in resolving the challenges that have been posed by the Dart Fisher's arrival in Alderney".

It said: "Since the announcement of the purchase of the vessel, the Harbour Authority has liaised closely with AFS to discuss practical operational matters and ensure safe operations.

"Therefore, to suggest the States have been the cause of delay to licensing and suggested as a reason for the sale of Causeway Explorer is unfounded."

The Dart Fisher's licence application is due to be dealt with at a meeting of the General Services Committee at its meeting on 1 November.