Channel Islands to subsidise France ferry service

Jersey, Guernsey and Sark will provide nearly £310,000 to subsidise the ferry service

The governments of three of the Channel Islands have agreed to subsidise a passenger ferry to France until the end of 2025.

Jersey, Guernsey and Sark have said they will provide a combined €370,000 (£309,600) to help keep the Manche Iles Express running after rising operating costs put the service at risk.

The Departmental Council of La Manche (DCLM), which oversees the service, is seeking additional funding from the three French ports the ferry serves, Jersey's government said.

DCLM has invested an estimated €20m (£16.7m) into the service since it began operating in 2005, the Government of Jersey said.

Lyndon Trott, Guernsey's Chief Minister, said losing the service would be a "significant loss" to the islands and their economies.

Kirsten Morel, Jersey's Minister for Sustainable Economic Development added it was a vital service.

He said: "From increasing tourism, enabling business opportunities, or simply connecting friends and family across the channel, Islanders have benefitted from the passenger services offered by Manche Iles Express for two decade."

"It is important we therefore support the service in the short term whilst working together on a longer-term solution."

Jersey's government said the islands’ support is conditional on the scheduled service operating as intended in 2025.

Who is paying what?

The Channel Islands’ combined contribution is €370,000:

Government of Jersey - €200,000 (£167,425)

States of Guernsey - €167,000 (£139,750)

Sark's Chief Pleas €3,000 (£2,500)