BRITTANY Ferries are “surprised and disappointed” by the Jersey government’s offer of a seven-month extension to Condor’s contract and plans to launch a new ferry tender.
In a statement issued yesterday afternoon, Christophe Mathieu, chief executive of Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries, claimed that they had not received “formal notification” of these developments.
He added that they were also seeking “clarification” of the extension request and details of “the new Jersey-only tender”.
Brittany Ferries, Condor’s owner, is vying with Danish company DFDS to be picked for Jersey’s 15-year lifeline ferry contract. Guernsey last week picked Brittany Ferries as its preferred bidder, throwing the joint tender process into disarray.
Mr Mathieu said following media reports on Wednesday “that the Government of Jersey plans to launch a new tender and has requested a short-term extension of our current operating agreement. Brittany Ferries is both surprised and disappointed by this development.”
He added: “Over the past nine months, Brittany Ferries has invested considerable resources in the process, providing extensive information to assist Jersey’s government in reaching a decision.
“We firmly believe that this is comprehensive and sufficient for concluding the existing process.”
Mr Mathieu confirmed that Brittany Ferries had also written to the Jersey and Guernsey governments asking for further clarification on key aspects of the current process “as a matter of urgency”.
Brittany Ferries’ announcement follows a statement from Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel issued on Wednesday “inviting” Condor Ferries to confirm a seven-month contract extension, which Deputy Morel argued was “in the interests of the public and the hospitality industry, and to protect our economy”.
He added: “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.”
Speaking at the Jersey Farming Conference yesterday before Brittany Ferries’ announcement, the minister defended his approach, saying that he was acting to protect Islanders.
He said he would not sign the Island up to anything except “a financially resilient ferry service that can deliver 15 years of a contract” without the risk of returning to the Jersey government to ask for help.
