Guernsey chooses Brittany Ferries for its sea link

Brittany Ferries will operate the service for the next 15 years

Guernsey has chosen Brittany Ferries as its preferred bidder to operate its lifeline sea links for the next 15 years.

The Government of Jersey is yet to make a decision on which company will operate its services.

Kirsten Morel, Jersey's Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, said he would be asking "both bidders" for further information in the next 24 hours.

Guernsey's Committee for Economic Development (CED), which unanimously selected Brittany Ferries, said it had done so to "provide certainty for island residents and businesses".

'Ensure swift conclusion'

The decision had been between Brittany Ferries and Danish firm DFDS.

The BBC understands Irish Ferries is no longer under consideration for the contract in Jersey.

The committee said Brittany Ferries would provide Guernsey's lifeline sea links, freight and passenger services, using its management and infrastructure as well as deploying Condor’s current fleet.

It added: "Guernsey’s preference remains a shared pan Channel Island service with Jersey, but we await word from our Jersey partners, expected tomorrow [Thursday]."

A spokesman for the States of Jersey said it recognised the importance of the decision for all islanders as the contract for ferry services would continue for the next 15 years.

"We are doing everything possible to ensure a swift conclusion. We’re planning to meet with both bidders in the next 24 hours, as we have further questions that need to be answered.”

Morel said the situation was not “a good look”.

He added: "It is the way it is, we are two separate jurisdictions. We have two different ways of looking at things and so this has been a good process in terms of working together, but when you analyse the information Jersey felt it wasn't in a position to award right now."

'Thrilled'

Simon Vermeulen, Guernsey Economic Development member, said he completely supported the decision.

"Brittany Ferries are a tried and tested service," he said.

"We had already postponed the decision from September, and we've got to get on with business. But I can say the process has been done properly from our side with all due diligence."

Brittany Ferries is a majority shareholder in Condor Ferries which has also been providing ferry services to the Channel Islands.

Christophe Mathieu, chief executive of Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries, said the ferry firms were "thrilled" by the new licence and were "grateful for the opportunity to develop our vital sea links over the next 15 years".

He said: "We also look forward to the Government of Jersey joining us in this initiative.

"With over 70 years of providing freight and passenger services to Guernsey and Jersey, collaborating will allow us to optimise the schedule for the benefit of both islands."

'Best possible deal'

Guernsey's announcement followed a call by ferry firms and businesses for an "immediate" decision on which company would run ferry operations in the Channel Islands from March.

Brittany Ferries, Condor Ferries, Jersey Chamber of Commerce and the Jersey Hospitality Association (JHA), said in a statement that the "prolonged impasse" on awarding the contract was "detrimental" to tourism.

CED president, deputy Neil Inder, said the tender process had "not been easy at times".

"But it has been thorough and approached by the States of Guernsey in a professional manner," he said.

The result was the "best possible deal for islanders", he said.

Inder said that in the event of a Guernsey-only service from Brittany Ferries, the new arrangement would mean changes to the way some some services operated.

"But we will have the same freight and passenger capacity for our community, improved resilience in the fleet, and the benefit of Brittany Ferries’ expertise, willingness to innovate, and commitment to improved customer services," he said.

"We will then move to considering how we can secure investment in new vessels."