The Government of Jersey, States of Guernsey, and the Sark Chief Pleas have collectively agreed to financially support the France-Channel Islands passenger-only fast ferry service Manche Iles Express for 2025 operations.
The request for financial support by the Departmental Council of La Manche (DCLM) was made in response to increased operating costs which put the viability of the service at risk.
Since being established, it is estimated that the DCLM has committed over €20m to the service. The Channel Islands’ support is conditional on the scheduled service operating as intended in 2025.
The Channel Islands’ combined contribution is €370,000:
- The Government of Jersey has committed €200,000
- The States of Guernsey, through the Committee for Economic Development €167,000, and
- The Sark Chief Pleas €3,000.
The DCLM are also seeking additional funding from the adjacent ports of Carteret, Diélette and Granville, who also benefit from the Manche Iles Express services.
Deputy Kirsten Morel, the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development in the Government of Jersey said: “From increasing tourism, enabling business opportunities, or simply connecting friends and family across the channel, Islanders have benefitted from the passenger services offered by Manche Iles Express for two decades, and it continues to provide a valuable service. It is important we therefore support the service in the short term whilst working together on a longer-term solution.”
The Chief Minister in the States of Guernsey, Deputy Lyndon Trott said: “With our cultural connections to Normandy, and the attraction of the likes of the Maison de Victor Hugo, Guernsey offers an excellent destination for summer French visitors wishing to come to and experience what the Islands have to offer. Losing the service would be a significant loss to the Bailiwick Islands and our wider economies and am pleased to confirm the Bailiwick of Guernsey’s support of the service next year and we look forward to working with DLCM to develop the service beyond 2025.”
Picture Credit: Tony Rive
