'Positive talks' but no decision on ferry contract

The government said it would consider answers, with a further announcement expected on Monday

Jersey's council of ministers has had "positive discussions" regarding the choice of ferry company to take over its lifeline sea links for the next 15 years, the government has said.

The Government of Jersey is yet to announce which service will take on the tender - a delay which has been described as "deeply embarrassing".

Jersey and Guernsey were expected to announce their preferred bidders for ferry services together, but Guernsey announced on Wednesday it had chosen Brittany Ferries.

Deputy Kirsten Morel, Jersey’s Economic Development minister, said the council had heard his concerns and a further announcement would be made on Monday.

Condor Ferries' current operating agreements with Jersey and Guernsey end on 27 March 2025. It had provided ferry services for the Channel Islands for 60 years.

A tourism group described the prospect of two separate ferry companies serving the Channel Islands as "unworkable" and the Co-operative Society CEO said if the islands chose different companies it would add further costs to islanders' food shop.

'Received some clarity'

The government said questions asked of the operators were "in the best interests of Jersey’s public" and related to "crucial elements of operator ownership, financial viability, and future investment in vessels".

It said: "We have sought answers to these questions throughout the process and the council of ministers is pleased to have received some clarity over the past 24 hours to validate the concerns of the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development."

Deputy Kirsten Morel said the delay was to make sure the government made the right choice

Mr Morel said ministers understood his concerns, adding that the tender decision was "very complex".

"I think it’s quite clear that the council of ministers are able to see the concerns that I’ve raised and those concerns are over financial viability, operator ownership and future fleet investment," he said.

Mr Morel said the delay was to ensure the government made the right choice.

He said: "As much as I understand the frustration and I really do care deeply about the tourism industry and I am concerned for them, but we need to get this decision right.

"We need to make the right decision for the public of Jersey and that means we will need to discuss this further on Monday."

'Retrospective scrutiny required'

Jersey's economic and international affairs scrutiny panel urged Morel to call a meeting of all States members to consult them on the preferred way forward and explain the process so far.

Panel chair Deputy Montfort Tadier said: "We believe islanders have a right to expect that timely due process is applied to the current negotiations.

"It is important that the public are able to have confidence in the process and, at present, we do not believe that is the case."

Montfort added: "It is clear to the panel that whatever the outcome of the tender process, formal retrospective scrutiny is required."