Brittany Ferries chosen for Critical Sea Links Service
Decision follows a 10-month joint tender exercise with Jersey, which has yet to align with Guernsey's choice.
- Economic Development selects Brittany Ferries as the preferred bidder for the island's lifeline sea links.
- Decision follows a 10-month joint tender exercise with Jersey, which has yet to align with Guernsey's choice.
- Brittany Ferries to provide freight and passenger services, utilising its existing fleet and Condor's.
- The decision aims for seamless operations and the publishing of the summer schedule shortly.
- Guernsey remains open to developing a shared service with Jersey, amid ongoing negotiations.
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Economic Development has announced its decision to select Brittany Ferries as the preferred bidder to provide vital sea links for the island, concluding a significant tender process.
The decision marks an essential step in securing and enhancing essential transportation services for residents and businesses, despite the absence of a unified stance with the neighbouring island of Jersey on the way forward.
After a comprehensive evaluation lasting ten months and undertaken in partnership with the Government of Jersey, the Committee unanimously chose Brittany Ferries.
This decision was based on their ability to promptly and effectively take over operations, leveraging both their considerable resources and the current fleet managed by Condor, of which Brittany Ferries is a majority shareholder.
Deputy Neil Inder, Economic Development President, emphasised the rigorous and evidence-based approach of the tender process.
Deputy Inder highlighted the committee’s commitment to providing certainty to the island’s inhabitants as soon as possible, acknowledging the critical nature of the sea links to Guernsey's daily life and economy.
He also noted the ongoing political discussions in Jersey and expressed hope for future collaboration to serve both islands' common objectives.
Brittany Ferries, with a substantial turnover of approximately €450 million in 2023, operates a fleet of nine vessels and employs 2,500 people.
The company brings to the table not only substantial operational capacity but also the promise of a seamless transition and enhanced service resilience.
The deployment of the Condor fleet under Brittany Ferries is planned to optimise connections between Guernsey, the UK, and St Malo.
"The process has enabled us to consider and test a number of different options and secure the best possible deal for islanders," said Deputy Inder.
He assured that the arrangement would not prevent Jersey from opting to join later on.
Final negotiations with Brittany Ferries are expected to be concluded by November, with the upcoming summer schedule to be announced shortly thereafter.
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