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Another Brittany Ferries ship has carried out a berthing trial in Jersey as the operator's CEO looks to usher in a "new era" for Condor that could see larger vessels used for scheduled services as early as this winter.
The 151-metre-long vessel, Bretagne, arrived in Elizabeth Harbour this morning, just days after Christophe Mathieu – who is also the Interim CEO of Condor – said the companies were now "seriously studying options for next winter" regarding the potential use of Brittany Ferries' ships.
It is not the first Brittany Ferries vessel to have conducted a berthing trial in the island, with 157-metre-long Barfleur having done so in March.
It also carried out berthing trials in St Peter Port, but we've not yet been advised of if or when the Bretagne will do the same here.
Brittany Ferries is a shareholder in Condor, which is currently vying with Danish shipping firm DFDS to run the Channel Islands’ passenger and freight services.
Pictured: Barfleur, a 157-metre-long Brittany Ferries ship, came to the islands at the end of March.
Both Barfleur and Bretagne dwarf Condor Islander (125m), Commodore Goodwill (126m) and Commodore Clipper (129m).
In a statement, Ports of Jersey said: "Brittany Ferries is a shareholder of Condor Ferries Ltd and is undertaking the trial as part of its own business continuity plans."
Speaking to Express last week, Mr Mathieu revealed that Condor wanted to start a "discussion" with harbour authorities about tug-boat support that would allow it to run scheduled services using Brittany Ferries ships.
Pictured: Bretagne conducted a successful berthing trial in St Helier Harbour this morning.
The battle to decide the future of Jersey and Guernsey’s passenger and freight ferry services officially began with the launch of the formal tender process earlier this month.
Both islands are inviting bids from applicants “with the necessary experience and capability” until the deadline of 8 July.
As part of its bid, DFDS unveiled plans for a hybrid-electric ferry that the operator said could be used to service routes to France from Jersey and Guernsey, while the company also carried out docking trials with its 162-metre-long freight ship Finlandia Seaways in December.
Meanwhile, Brittany Ferries announced today that it would be exploring “design and technical requirements” for a 137-metre zero-emissions craft, after signing a partnership with marine technology firm Wärtsilä and Tasmanian shipbuilder Incat.
Pictured: Brittany Ferries is exploring requirements for a 137-metre zero-emissions craft with marine technology firm Wärtsilä and Tasmanian shipbuilder Incat.
Mr Mathieu said: “This is an important project as we look at different ways to reach net zero by 2050.
“All-electric power is a potential solution, best suited to shorter ferry routes. At this stage we don’t know what is feasible, and upon which route, but what we can say is that trusted partners will help us scope it out."
He continued: "Upon completion of the project we can move quickly. Brittany Ferries has a track record of walking the talk when it comes to leading the industry on sustainable ferry travel, as our investment in LNG and hybrid ships shows."
FOCUS: A "new era" beckoning for Condor?
Condor “confident” it is the right operator for the Channel Islands
Brittany Ferries to be ‘more involved’ in Channel Islands
Process to decide future of Jersey's ferry services officially begins
“Successful” berthing trial confirms “viability” of vessel
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