Guernsey Committee Examines Brittany Ferries’ Sole-Island Ferry Proposal

A committee in Guernsey has stated it is examining a proposal from Brittany Ferries for a “Guernsey-only approach” to manage its maritime connections. The States of Guernsey designated Brittany Ferries as its preferred bidder on October 30, while the government of Jersey has not yet reached a decision. The Committee for Economic Development announced its intention to assess Brittany Ferries’ “Guernsey-only approach” and to finalize a contract within the upcoming 10 days. Deputy Neil Inder, who serves as the committee’s president, indicated that if Jersey opts for DFDS instead of Brittany Ferries, both governments would establish a “robust inter-island service.” He stated: “There is also ongoing conversation with the Government of Jersey, although at this stage they have not confirmed their plans.“Regardless of the decision that the Government of Jersey reaches, we have committed that should we take different approaches we will work together to put in place a robust inter-island service, building on the recent joint agreement with Manche Iles Express.”” Deputy Kirsten Morel, Jersey’s Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, commented that the Government of Jersey was currently unable to disclose which ferry operator would be chosen. He also mentioned that he was requesting “formal clarification” from the Government of Guernsey regarding the potential termination of the joint process. He concluded by stating: “We need to get the best ferry services for the island, that’s what we’re working towards.” Inder further noted that Guernsey’s government was working to finalize the timetables with Brittany Ferries, allowing the ferry company to release them by mid-November. He also suggested that the collaboration with Brittany Ferries presented chances to enhance community and commercial ties with Normandy and Brittany.