The governments of Jersey and Guernsey are collaboratively engaged in securing long-term operating agreements for ferry connections. The initial phase for both freight and passenger services has been officially initiated, marked by berthing trials for new vessels at island ports since December.
Acknowledging a "contestable market for the provision of sea connectivity," the governments have commenced market testing during the transition period as the current agreement with Condor Ferries is set to conclude in March 2025. Although Condor Ferries has refrained from commenting on the matter, it retains the option to bid for the contract.
Both governments express a collective aspiration to present a unified market and opportunity for interested bidders.
Deputy Neil Inder, Guernsey's President of the Committee for Economic Development, emphasizes the need for synchronized efforts to achieve optimal outcomes for both islands. He emphasizes the commencement of the process to ensure its timely completion before the expiration of the existing agreement.
Deputy Kirsten Morel, Jersey's Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, underscores that the objective of this process is to guarantee the "best possible freight and passenger services for the Channel Islands."