Condor Ferries Expresses Disappointment Over Jersey’s Contract Extension Request

The chief executive of Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries has expressed his “surprise and disappointed” regarding the Jersey government’s proposal for an extension of Condor’s contract, which comes during an ongoing tender process. Brittany Ferries, which holds a majority stake in Condor, along with DFDS, had previously received invitations to submit bids for the provision of freight and passenger services to both Jersey and Guernsey, with contracts intended to run until 2040. While Guernsey has already selected Brittany Ferries, the Government of Jersey on Wednesday sought a seven-month extension, aiming to finalize its decision on the long-term ferry agreement before the close of the year. Deputy Kirsten Morel, responsible for overseeing Jersey’s tender process, stated on Wednesday that the proposed extension was intended to “protect our economy” and allow Condor to release its summer schedules. Christophe Mathieu, the chief executive officer for both Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries, commented that his company had dedicated “considerable resources” to the tender process over the preceding nine months, a process he considered “comprehensive and sufficient” for Jersey to reach a conclusion. Mr Mathieu stated: “Following media reports yesterday that the Government of Jersey plans to launch a new tender and has requested a short-term extension of our current operating agreement, Brittany Ferries is both surprised and disappointed by this development.” He further indicated that the company had not yet received formal communication from Jersey’s government and required clarification regarding the extension request, along with “precise details” concerning the proposed new tender specific to Jersey. He added: “Brittany Ferries has also written to both governments asking for further clarification on key aspects of the current process as a matter of urgency.” Deputy Morel appealed to islanders, asking them to “please trust me”. He explained: “I am in a difficult position. I need to find financially resilient ferry services for our island.” He continued: “That financial resilience is all about being able to invest in a new fleet and being able to continue for the 15 years of the contract.” In response to a request for comment on the government’s extension proposal to Condor, DFDS vice-president Filip Werne Hermann stated: “We need to understand on what terms the short-term deal has been offered to Condor before DFDS will comment further.”