Condor Ferries has confirmed an initiative with the States of Guernsey which could see an additional conventional passenger and freight ship enter service in the Channel Islands.
This follows discussions over the past few months between the States and the local ferry company whereby both parties would invest into a joint purchase of a vessel. Condor would operate the ship as an addition to its existing fleet.
John Napton, Condor’s CEO, said: “We are determined to invest in the Islands’ future by developing freight and passenger services.”
“Since the change of shareholders, we have been interested in acquiring a second, conventional vessel and would have already done so in 2020 had it not been for the challenges caused by Covid. Once the States of Guernsey expressed an interest in working with us, it has allowed us to pursue this opportunity and investigate the collaborative purchase of a ship.”
Deputy Peter Ferbrache, Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee, Guernsey, said: “It is very encouraging that we are nearing an agreement that will see us invest in an additional vessel strengthening Guernsey sea links. I’m thankful to Condor who have demonstrated a positive and collaborative approach under their new leadership.
“Condor plays a very important role in our community, and that’s been especially true in these past two years where they’ve supported our Island’s resilience in getting food, fuel and other essentials to Guernsey despite the challenges of the pandemic, and in how they have worked alongside the States and tourism as we’ve begun working on the recovery for that key sector.
“But there’s no doubt we need to improve the reliability and resilience of our sea links, that is important to Islanders and I’m pleased we’re getting close to addressing that.”
Mr Napton added that there is considerable work to be done but is optimistic that if an additional ship could be acquired, it would improve resilience and reliability and enhance the existing services operated by the company for the benefit of the Channel Islands.
