Jersey asks Condor to keep operating for an extra seven months

Condor Ferries has been ask to continue operating ferries to and from Jersey until at least the end of next summer.

Jersey's government has suggested a seven month extension to the ferry firm's existing contract following the debacle over the tender process for a new deal to serve the Channel Islands.

A brief statement from Deputy Kirsten Morel issued late on Wednesday (6 November) says:

"In the interests of the public, the hospitality industry, and to protect our economy, we have invited Condor Ferries to confirm a 7-month extension to the current Operating Agreement. This will bring certainty by enabling Condor Ferries to publish its summer schedules.

“Following the breakdown of the joint Channel Islands tender process, we have invited both final bidders, DFDS and Brittany Ferries, to work with the Government of Jersey as we find the best solution for our long-term ferry services.”

Ministers have been locked in talks and taking legal advice since Guernsey announced on 30 October that it had chosen Condor's parent company Brittany Ferries as its preferred bidder.

Guernsey's Economic Development Committee said its choice has been unanimous and was based on BF's assurances that it would be able to take over 'seamlessly' using the existing fleet of Condor vessels.

ED President Deputy Neil Inder said Guernsey had informed Jersey of its intentions almost two weeks prior.

A joint decision on awarding a 15 year contract for freight and passenger services for the Channel Islands had originally been expected in September, following a lengthy tender process in which existing operator Condor Ferries and Danish shipping firm DFDS had bid.

Guernsey's unilateral decision heaped pressure on Jersey's government to make a decision, with the business and tourism sectors both pointing to the potential damage the uncertainty and inability to book travel beyond the end of March 2025 was doing to economy.

Ministers have been considering additional legal advice  - describing the complications of abandoning a joint procurement as 'extensive'.

It seems they have been too great to overcome in a timely fashion, with Jersey's government now saying that an extension of Condor's existing agreement with the island is the best immediate course of action.

The contract had been due to expire just a week before the start of the busy school Easter holidays.

An extension seems set to see Condor Ferries continue until at least the end of October 2025.

Condor Ferries has been contacted for comment.

A statement from Guernsey's government earlier this week said Brittany Ferries had a spring timetable ready, and expected to publish dates for sailings in mid-November.