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Jersey remains tight-lipped about what exactly is stopping it from concluding ferry contract talks after 10 months of trying.
It is set for talks today with Brittany Ferries, Guernsey’s choice, and DFDS, because it still has “further questions that need to be answered”.
Guernsey detailed last night why it had chosen Brittany, a company with a turnover of approximately €450m in 2023, operating nine vessels with 2,500 employees, now the majority shareholder in Condor.
The island also has stronger financial links with Condor after loaning it £26m. while also investing another £3m. in April 2023 to buy what is now the Condor Islander.
Jersey’s Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel would not confirm exact details of the information requested from the tenderers, but told Express last night: “The procurement process is designed to deliver resilient and stable ferry services to the islands for the next 15 years.
"It's really important that we understand the risks associated with all the bids and whether they will be able to deliver those services for the full 15-year period.
“We do not want an outcome that could end up placing risk on Jersey taxpayers.
“The Council of Ministers agreed today that we need more information, which is why we’re reaching out to both bidders to receive clarifications.”
Deputy Inna Gardiner, Chair of Jersey’s Public Accounts Committee, said she recognised that "signing a contract with Brittany Ferries/Condor will allow seamless continuation of the service", but stressed that "making decisions under duress is not where we should be".
She said it was of "great concern that Jersey is now in a compromised position and might be pressured to sign a ferry contract users will regret for the next 15 years. Evidence-based decision making is required here, not expedient compromises."
She also questioned whether Condor would be profitable serving Guernsey alone, "which also brings into question the financial stability and resilience of the ferry service we may choose".
Noting that Scrutiny members had not been made privy to the full detail of negotiations, Deputy Gardiner said she "cannot say which company will be best to serve the island, as I don't have the data", but stressed that the Scrutiny wants to see a decision taken based on evidence "and not because Guernsey chose first and we didn't have a choice".
"We do not want to choose a ferry company we may have to support financially going forward," the Chair of the panel responsible for scrutinising spending and good governance added.
Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries, urged Jersey to follow Guernsey in picking their bid.
“Naturally, we are thrilled that the States of Guernsey is to grant us a new operating licence and are grateful for the opportunity to develop our vital sea links over the next 15 years.
“As we have maintained from the beginning, we have the right ships, the right schedule and experience to support the Bailiwick in the long term.
“We also look forward to the Government of Jersey joining us in this initiative. With over 70 years of providing freight and passenger services to Guernsey and Jersey, collaborating will allow us to optimise the schedule for the benefit of both islands.”
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