Jersey picks DFDS to provide ferry services

Jersey's decision to pick DFDS as its preferred bidder puts the island at odds with Guernsey, which has chosen Brittany Ferries

Jersey has chosen Danish firm DFDS to provide its lifeline passenger and freight services, sparking a row in Guernsey, which chose Brittany Ferries to run its sea links.

The decision means the end of Condor Ferries' 60-year history of providing ferry services to Jersey.

A statement from the Government of Jersey said the agreement, which is still to be signed, would mean more frequent ferries to the UK and France in peak periods, faster ferries to the UK and two high-speed ferries in summer.

The announcement drew criticism in Guernsey, with the island's tourism board branding the tender process a "shambles".

The Council of Ministers had faced pressure to make a decision after Guernsey's Committee for Economic Development announced on 30 October that it would award the tender to Condor's parent company, Brittany Ferries.

Deputy Kirsten Morel said Jersey had run a "robust procurement process that has been independently moderated" and the results showed DFDS was "the strongest strategic partner for Jersey".

Morel added DFDS would deliver new high-speed vessels and more sailings in peak periods.

He said it would be "a service that is reliable and resilient for islanders, visitors and businesses".

Filip Hermann from DFDS said the company was "thrilled" to have been awarded the contract.

Mr Hermann said the firm understood "a reliable ferry service is vital for Jersey, for the economy, and for providing essential supplies and access to medical services".

"We look forward to serving the local communities on Jersey for many years to come," he said.

'Huge opportunity'

The Jersey Hospitality Association said a potential benefit of the decision was boosting trade with France.

Chief executive Marcus Calvani said: "We've spoken at length with DFDS about bringing down the cost of freight to the island. They have a lot of experience in logistics.

"But this is also a huge opportunity to make better use of our links with France.

"Not just for importing, but export our own produce too. It gives us more potential to diversify the island's economy."

A joint tender process was abandoned after Guernsey picked Brittany Ferries to run its sea link

Confirmation that Jersey picked the Danish ferry firm followed concerns from a tourism group it would be "unworkable" for two separate companies to serve the Channel Islands.

Simon de la Rue, from Guernsey Tourism Partnership, echoed the concern.

"It's disappointing to see the islands move further apart when we need now, more than ever, inter-island co-operation," he said.

"We fear that inter-island connectivity and tourism will be the victim of the shambles that has been this Channel Islands tender process."

Simon Vermeulen, vice-president of the Guernsey Economic Development Committee, said he was "very happy" with Guernsey's decision to go with Brittany Ferries.

"Jersey's decision is up to them," he added.

Unchartered waters

BBC Jersey political reporter Ammar Ebrahim said the decision would be a huge relief to businesses and industry who had complained about a lack of certainty.

Morel had previously been vocal about his concerns over Condor's finances.

He told the States Assembly last month it was clear DFDS was the stronger bid in the previous process.

BBC Guernsey political reporter John Fernandez said the divergence of the two governments on the ferry contract had left the islands in uncharted waters.

Jersey will be hoping the scale of DFDS and its greater market share will force Guernsey to follow suit.

However, officials in Guernsey said they were confident with Condor's market experience and Brittany Ferries links to the continent.

They believe a service with about 35% of the business in the Channel Islands will be worthwhile.

The Government of Jersey said next year's timetable would be published by the end of next week.

Condor Ferries' current operating agreements with Jersey and Guernsey end on 27 March 2025.

A joint tender process between the islands was abandoned earlier this year, after Guernsey opted for Brittany Ferries.

Brittany Ferries announced last month it would rebrand Condor to Brittany Ferries Channel Islands.