DFDS Confirms High-Speed Ferries for Jersey-Only Service Bid

Ferry operator DFDS has verified that its proposal to provide services exclusively to Jersey incorporates high-speed ferries, vessels solely for freight, and ships capable of transporting both passengers and commercial cargo. Filip Hermann, the vice president, stated that the Danish operator’s contract proposal would not feature any “incumbent” Condor vessels. He further noted that the vessels intended for use were either already part of DFDS’s fleet or had been previously chartered by the firm. Mr. Hermann additionally disputed remarks made by Deputy Neil Inder, Guernsey’s Economic Development President, who claimed DFDS’s pan-island bid was legally unsound. Mr. Hermann asserted that the proposed contractual terms, which granted DFDS the ability to modify service requirements if profitability shifted, were appropriate for any “prudent and responsible operator.” He clarified that these conditions would only be invoked “under a set of special circumstances.” However, he did not verify whether this specific clause would be part of DFDS’s proposal for the ferry contract solely for Jersey. Mr. Hermann mentioned that the company had not yet received any official communication regarding the reasons for its bid’s failure. DFDS anticipates being awarded a 15-year contract, a duration Mr. Hermann considers “the right length” for the company to implement a new fleet and execute its plans. He further stated: “We believe in long-term partnerships and that’s what is offered when there is a contract of 15 years. That means we can develop it together and build a great service together.” Mr. Hermann expressed his “disappointment” at not securing the bid to serve both islands, as he was convinced DFDS “would have made a difference in Guernsey.” He commented: “We will look to have a good relationship with whoever serves Guernsey to see what we can do together to serve both islands’ inhabitants.” Mr. Hermann concluded by noting that his interactions with the Channel Islands’ governments during the tender process were consistently “professional and capable.”