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Condor is seeking expressions of interest for next summer’s sailings with the deadline for tender bids for the Channel Islands’ sea links tonight.
The firm’s winter schedule, published at the weekend, includes sailings up to 27 March 2025 as it looks to beat the Danish shipping giant DFDS to secure the contract for Jersey and Guernsey's passenger and freight services for years to come.
Condor has promised a “more resilient service” to France on the Clipper next January and February through a new weekend service – but there’ll be no fast-ferry services between 10 January and 10 February.
The ferry and its sister the Islander will continue with overnight services to the UK throughout the period.
The current operator is also inviting customers to pre-register for free for all prospective sailings beyond the end of March, saying those bookings will be finalised “once confirmation is received that the tender has been secured”.
Customers are asked for a preferred date, route, and ship in an online feedback form.
Condor said it was “anticipating the successful renewal of its ramp permit” in the islands, with interim CEO Christophe Matthieu repeating that he believes the company is the best option for the job.
“We are currently finalising our tender and believe we can demonstrate we are the right operator, with the right ships and also the right experience to continue servicing Jersey and Guernsey into the future.”
Pictured: Interim CEO Christophe Matthieu.
“The timetable will be similar to this year and we are offering this option to minimise any bother or inconvenience,” he continued.
But he said new routes in the early months provide "excellent timings for those planning a weekend away in winter" and “the overnight conventional sailings to and from Portsmouth have also proved to be popular so these will continue through to next March".
Both Guernsey and Jersey’s governments say they will provide updates on the “open and impartial” tender process when something significant happens.
It’s hoped a final decision will be made by the end of the year.
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