DFDS Ferry Contract Welcomed, Yet Questions Persist

A Jersey deputy indicated that “lessons needed to be learnt” regarding the procedure that resulted in the island’s choice of DFDS to operate its ferry services. Deputy Kirsten Morel, the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, stated that the Danish ferry company offered “higher frequency services, greater investment and a green and decarbonised fleet”. However, Deputy Montfort Tadier, who chairs a scrutiny panel, asserted that “lessons needed to be learnt” concerning the execution of the tender process and voiced apprehension about future joint tenders between Guernsey and Jersey. Morel confirmed that passenger and freight ferries would continue to operate between Jersey and Portsmouth, Poole, and St Malo, as would the inter-island services. He mentioned that Brittany Ferries was contractually obligated to serve for the next three months until its agreement concludes. He added, “In the event they don’t, we have strong contingency services awaiting and they are ready and, within 48 hours notice, able to serve the island.” Tadier, who leads the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel, expressed satisfaction that a decision had been reached but believed it should have been finalized months earlier. He stated: “It should have also been for a joint Channel Islands ferry operator, not just for one serving our island.” He continued: “We need to understand, in due course, what happened during that first tender process, and why it didn’t succeed.” He further added: “Lessons need to be learnt if we’re ever to enter into a joint tender for anything in the future.” Robert Mackenzie, managing director of the CI Travel Group, conveyed his opinion that it was “the right decision”. He commented: “I think DFDS is a very professional, reputable, extremely large freight and logistics company.” Nevertheless, Mr. Mackenzie expressed concern about the future of Guernsey’s ferry service. He remarked: “I think for Guernsey there are bigger questions.” He elaborated: “We know Guernsey’s only about 30%, one third, of the business of the combined two islands, the two Bailiwicks, so for Brittany Ferries to have lost 70% of their business does raise questions over their ability to operate the service they’ve said they will.” He concluded: “I think we may not have entirely seen the end of that particular saga.” Brittany Ferries, the owner of Condor Ferries, declined to provide a comment.