Call for Channel Islands port authority

Senator Alan Maclean said there was more the islands could do to work together

The Channel Islands need a joint Port Authority, says a Jersey politician.

Deputy Sean Power said a uniform approach to freight, shipping and ferry travel would also help investors who could see the islands as one entity.

Guernsey Public Services Minister Deputy Paul Luxon said it was an idea the States could consider.

The comments come after one of the island's largest shipping companies, Huelin-Renouf, went into administration.

The company used to handle about 25% of Jersey's freight and was the main "lift-on lift-off" operator, where cranes are used to take containers from the ships.

Search for buyer

Deputy Power said: "They are not just servicing Jersey, we have got to deal with the Guernsey market as well which is just as important for a shipping company.

"I would like to see a port authority for the Channel Islands so we have unison."

The States of Jersey are still looking for a private buyer for Huelin-Renouf after it collapsed with the loss of 90 jobs.

Jersey's Economic Development Minister, Senator Alan Maclean, said the States would support the freight industry for another six months after the collapse of Huelin-Renouf.

He said he was still confident his plans to find a private buyer were on track.