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The President of the Committee for Environment and Infrastructure has welcomed the announcement that Condor will be involved in an electric ferry pilot scheme.
Express reported yesterday that Condor has become the operational partner of the Belfast Maritime Consortium, who are working on zero-emission ferries. A pilot scheme will be launched in 2024 where Condor will be responsible for operating a service in the waters around Northern Ireland.
It’s not yet known if Condor will then utilise this technology for Channel Island routes, however, Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez said it’s a step in the right direction: “It’s nothing if not positive news for us.
“It’s fantastic that this technology is being embraced and it’s fantastic that Condor are involved, because it’s a positive indication that at some point Guernsey and the Channel Islands will benefit directly.”
Pictured: It’s not yet known if and when electric ferries could be sailed inter-island.
The technology has been developed by the Belfast-based Artemis Technologies and could use up to 90% less energy than many conventional ferries.
Condor’s CEO, John Napton, said it makes sense for the company to be proactive in the electric ferry market.
“We are also acutely aware that international legislation may well impact all ship operators over the next 5-10 years, so it is prudent to be involved in this exciting project now.”
Deputy de Sausmarez says it’s a wise move: “There is a lot of innovation taking place and it’s driven by demand. The knowledge that jurisdictions everywhere will be legislating for net-zero means it is good to get ahead of the game in that respect.”
Pictured: “This is a positive development for the transition to the green and blue economy,” said Deputy de Sausmarez.
Deputy de Sausmarez continued: “I know that there is a lot of innovation going on in the marine transport sector and I know that, for example, cruise ships have been starting to market themselves on their environmental credentials, in terms of cleaner technology.
“Let’s not forget that carbon emissions don’t really care where they’re emitted, wherever they’re emitted they have an impact on all of us.”
Earlier this year the Policy and Resources Committee announced its intention to buy a ferry and lease it to Condor, to support connectivity between the islands, the UK and France. It could cost the public purse up to £20 million.
In light of Condor’s latest announcement Express has reached out for comment from the Committee.
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