Guernsey's government in talks with Brittany Ferries over timetabling

Economic Development says its 'closely involved' in discussions after Brittany Ferries announced cost-cutting plans.

The ferry operator, which signed a new contract with the States of Guernsey in 2025 to operate the island's UK and France routes, has revealed a major restructuring plan to save money.

It includes selling two of its ships and closing two routes between the UK and France.

Service changes as Brittany Ferries makes savings

From this autumn, a triangular service will run daily Portsmouth - Guernsey - Cherbourg - Portsmouth, using the Islander.

Economic Development says 'collaborative' talks are ongoing to make sure any new timetable works for both Guernsey and BF.

Brittany Ferries has declined interviews on the impact of the changes.

The ED committee says the Islander will still arrive in St Peter Port at 4am, bringing freight, and that the frequency will increase to seven days a week.

The Voyager fast ferry will continue to operate Poole-Guernsey-St Malo, with the island potentially benefitting from increased passenger numbers because of BF withdrawing its Poole to Cherbourg and Portsmouth to Le Havre routes.

A statement says:

"The new rotation is a unique opportunity for building more resilient and sustainable trade links with France and the continent."

"It also opens up a new passenger route for islanders to travel to Cherbourg directly on an approximately two-hour crossing and then return to the island on the Voyager from Saint Malo or an overnight service back via Portsmouth."

Both Brittany Ferries and ED have insisted that the Clipper will remain Guernsey's back-up vessel, despite it reportedly being deployed on Ireland services.

Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, President of the Committee for Economic Development is presenting the BF changes as a 'potential step-change' for the Bailiwick.

“While these proposals remain under consideration, the Committee believes it is important to be open and transparent with the community about the in principle discussions that are taking place.

"As part of the next stage of the process, we are engaging with key stakeholders to ensure that all operational, commercial and community considerations are fully understood before any final decision is made.”