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In the wake of rumour and conjecture, the CEO of Condor has said he would be open to discussions about the ferry firm being part owned by the government.
Condor has been working with its stakeholders to overcome a “temporary” challenge. The exact nature of this challenge hasn’t been revealed and has led to intense speculation over the past few weeks.
The ferry firm’s CEO sat down with All Island Media to field questions on the future of Condor and quash the idea that it is going into administration.
"Somebody was trying to create a story that was not there - we are not in administration and we are not going into administration. We are here, we will be here both in the short-term and the long-term and I am disappointed that a number of individuals have decided to put out what I would call malicious rumours," said John Napton during his interview with the JEP.
"I can confirm we are not selling part of the business," he continued.
“That conversation to my knowledge has never happened. But government involvement with our business - absolutely. We are looking for long-term partnerships and I think that gives security to us, to the islands and to politicians."
Pictured: CEO of Condor, John Napton.
When asked if Condor would ever consider part-ownership with the States of Guernsey he said: "Why not have grown up tripartite conversations about what the service looks like, what gives the island security, what gives us security in the long-term.
“We also need to look at future ships looks like and future fuels. And by having a joined up strategic view, it's far better. Whether that is partnership, part-ownership, support, all of those things can be discussed.
"From my understanding Guernsey has got form [here he is referring to Aurigny] and Jersey has resisted it and done things different ways."
Mr Napton said he hasn’t personally had any conversations about part-ownership.
"Joint ownership of assets like we have with Islander makes a lot of sense going forward. I would like to pursue and I have mentioned things like that in conversations with Jersey as well.
"All things are going to be on the table. I think it is healthy to have each of those conversations in parallel and see what the best solutions look like."
Condor working with stakeholders to overcome a "temporary" but challenging time
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