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The Salty Blonde has won the contract to run the States of Alderney's subsidised ferry service to and from Guernsey for the rest of 2022.
The service starts today, Friday, with two rotations per day, six times a week, and possibly an extra sailing during the height of the season.
The contract runs until 31 December and a service will be operated during the shoulder months as well as in the summer.
The Salty Blonde is taking over the service from The Little Ferry Company, which declined to bid for the contract this year.
The Little Ferry Company provided space for 12 passengers whereas The Salty Blonde has space for only eight passengers. The States of Alderney said this should not be a problem.
Pictured: the proposal from Alderney's Economic Development Committee to strike a deal with The Salty Blonde to run a ferry service to and from Guernsey in 2022 required the approval of the island's Policy and Finance Committee.
"Their ability to provide inter-island passenger rotations, not only in the high season but also in the shoulder months through to Christmas, was very important," said Annie Burgess, who chairs the States of Alderney's Economic Development Committee.
"While the vessel has a slightly smaller capacity than the ferry servicing the route in recent years, the extended season means that the overall service, and its benefits to the island’s economy and businesses, should be comparable to that operated in previous seasons."
The States' subsidy of the service is largely linked to the number of rotations successfully completed and is expected not to exceed the subsidy paid in recent years.
The Committee said it was pleased with the number of submissions made requesting to operate the service this year when originally there were fears that the service would be unattractive.
Pictured: the Salty Blonde will run the States-backed ferry service from today and provide Alderney with sailings to Guernsey until 31 December.
Tracey Farquhar-Beck, Business Manager for The Salty Blonde, said: "we are delighted to work with the States of Alderney to provide a scheduled ferry service, a critical transport link for islanders and visitors alike to and from this beautiful island of Alderney.
"As well as providing a service to residents of Alderney, The Salty Blonde will be a key contributor to the local tourism economy, bringing a number of financial and social benefits for all aspects of Alderney's economy."
The Salty Blonde says that its vessel - Ashlin, pictured top - is "helmed by our experienced and qualified skipper" to "ensure complete professionalism and safety".
"The Ashlin is a Redbay Stormforce 11-metre rib with twin Yamaha inboard diesel 275hp engines. It has a cruising speed of 26kts and will arrive in Guernsey in less than an hour from Alderney."
Pictured: in recent years, the Alderney-Guernsey service has been operated by The Little Ferry Company.
Tickets for The Salty Blonde can be booked in advance by clicking HERE and following the booking notes.
Alternatively, tickets can be obtained at the booking office at The Butchers General Store on Victoria Street in Alderney, which is open between Tuesday and Saturday from 09:00 until 14:00.
Alderney prepares for new airline and ferry service
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