Electric ferries an obvious step for Channel Islands, Condor boss says

Ferry bosses said electric-powered vessels were an "obvious" next step in transportation

Electric ferries could be operating in Channel Island harbours within the next two decades, a ferry operator has said.

Christophe Mathieu, chief executive of Condor and Brittany Ferries, said he had discussed electrical capacity with port authorities in Guernsey and Jersey.

Condor currently operates five vessels, including two fast ferries, using marine grade oil.

Mr Mathieu said using electric-powered vessels was an "obvious" next step.

"It looks like the solution for short distance ferries is battery and onshore power," he said.

"When I can't tell you, as I don't know, is when it will happen; but it won't be in 20 years, it will be well before that."

'Appetite for decarbonisation'

Mr Mathieu suggested there would need to be suitable onshore power capacity to charge the vessels.

He said: "We need to plan medium and long-term with the islands what the capacity is, and we need to be close to the ports on what the appetite for decarbonisation is.

"What is the ability and planning for electricity onshore power? It's one of the big topics for the next few years."

Ports of Jersey said it had "a clear plan to reduce its operational carbon emissions to net-zero by 2030".

It said: "We are also supporting our business partners to decarbonise, by working with airlines and ferry companies to expedite the introduction of zero emission vessels.

"The redevelopment of Elizabeth Harbour will provide the enabling infrastructure required to power future electric vessels and cranes."

Captain David Barker, Guernsey Ports' harbour master, said: "How individual ferry firms consider the move towards decarbonisation is a matter for them. However, speaking generally about changes in the sector, the global movement towards decarbonising merchant fleets has become a great topic of discussion."

He said ports bosses had engaged in "various UK and international forums" and were looking at "the potential of alternative propulsion technologies" and this formed part of "dialogues with the newly-formed development agency and in sessions with the team producing the local planning briefs for St Peter Port and St Sampson's".

Captain Barker added: "Our exploration extends to technologies such as LPG [liquid petroleum gas], biofuel, hydrogen, ammonia, and even nuclear reactors.

"Presently, no single alternative has emerged as a clear favourite, nor is there a firmly established timeline for implementation."

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