Ferry timetable can boost French ties, say firms

Guernsey's Chamber of Commerce hopes to strengthen ties with St Malo because of daily crossings

Guernsey's new ferry schedule gives local firms an opportunity to strengthen ties with France, a local business group has said.

The timetable, which was announced last week, includes daily sailings to St Malo in Normandy.

Guernsey Chamber of Commerce said it could enhance "tourism and trade while expanding the import of food and other goods from France".

A spokesperson for the chamber said it had already met with counterparts in St. Malo to "seize" the opportunity and make the most of the "benefits this schedule can bring".

Last month Guernsey chose Brittany Ferries, the parent company of current operator Condor, to run its services for the next 15 years.

However, Jersey has delayed a decision on who it will award its ferry contract to.

On Friday Brittany Ferries released its timetable for next year, which includes frequent ferries to the UK and France, but only one service a week to Jersey.

'Concerned about challenges'

The chamber said it was still "concerned about the challenges" local businesses would face if Jersey opted to go with a different ferry company to Guernsey.

The chamber said losing "economies of scale" and not having a regular inter-island service could create problems and make things more expensive for local businesses.

"Despite these issues, we are committed to collaboration and working together to make this transition a success for our community," the spokesperson said.