Business Leaders Express Disapproval Over Ferry Contract Decision Postponement

Prominent figures in the business community have voiced criticism regarding the deferral of a decision on a new ferry contract for the Channel Islands. The States of Guernsey officially named Brittany Ferries as its favored contender on October 30, however, Jersey’s government has yet to announce its determination. Simon De La Rue, representing the Little Big Brew craft brewery in Guernsey and a member of the Guernsey Tourism Partnership, described the situation as “farcical” and stated that it “doesn’t bring certainty to the following season.” Brittany Ferries, the parent company of Condor, conveyed that it was “surprised and disappointed” by the Jersey government’s proposal for a seven-month extension to its existing contract. Jersey’s government indicated that a primary factor contributing to the delay was the requirement to ascertain that the subsequent operator would demonstrate financial stability for the forthcoming 15 years. Mark Cox, the chief executive of the Channel Islands Coop, suggested that should Condor agree to the extension, it would provide “some certainty” for the supermarket chain. He commented: “In entering any tender process, you would always look at that financial stability, and what are you looking for from an output point of view and can those people that are adopting the tender deliver those outputs?” He continued: “And if they can’t, then they shouldn’t be in the tender process.” Cox further asserted: “That finance information should have been available well before now.” Mr. De La Rue expressed that he would find it surprising if Brittany Ferries were to accept the Condor extension. “It doesn’t bring certainty to the following season, given that the offer of a seven-month extension is so short,” he conveyed to BBC Radio Guernsey. He further remarked: “We really need to be looking at building our inter-island connectivity with Jersey, that will help out the tourism sectors of both islands. “A healthy tourism sector in Jersey is a positive thing for Guernsey.”” Mr. De La Rue additionally stated: “It’s relatively farcical that you can go through an eight-month tender process and then ask for a seven-month extension. “I don’t see why you should be doing that with a ferry contract that affects the lives of 200,000 plus people.”” Robert Cornelius, representing the Guernsey Motor Trade Association, commented: “I think businesses that rely on getting goods from the UK to the islands just need to see a reliable, consistent, regular service. “But we also understand, because we’re businesses, that there’s a cost involved with that, and things have to be viable.”” Robert Mackenzie, managing director of CI Travel Group, asserted that the government continued to place a higher value on other economic sectors than on tourism. He remarked: “This contract is really more about freight and about providing lifeline services to the island in terms of food delivery and other supplies.” Mackenzie further observed: “The visitor passenger side of it, while important, is not being given quite the same attention and focus.” Deputy Karen Wilson, a member of the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel, stated: “We are intending to make sure that in the Assembly next week there will be questions asked about what has gone on.” She added: “But one of the most important things at the moment is that we have got to make sure that whatever happens through this next couple of weeks, and by the end of December, that we do have a decision that is in the interest of Jersey.” Earlier, Deputy Kirsten Morel, who is supervising the tender process for Jersey, appealed to islanders, requesting them to “please trust me.” He explained: “I am in a difficult position. I need to find financially resilient ferry services for our island.” Morel clarified: “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.” Guernsey’s Committee for Economic Development announced its intention to assess the Guernsey-only strategy concerning Brittany Ferries and to finalize a contract within the forthcoming 10 days. Christophe Matthieu, chief executive of Brittany Ferries, asserted that the company had furnished sufficient information for the government to reach a determination regarding the 15-year contract.