Manche Iles-Express has been confirmed as the provider of the new inter-island summer ferry service between Jersey and Guernsey.
The sailings are due to begin in May, subject to final negotiations being completed between the ferry firm and each islands’ governments.
The confirmation follows a tender process which saw an initial nine companies, including Condor Ferries expressing an interest, before a final two made detailed submissions.
It’s already been announced in a recent States of Jersey sitting that ticket prices “may surprise you”, indicating they will cost less than the current inter-island sailings on Condor.
Deputy Charles Parkinson, President of the Committee for Economic Development in Guernsey, said: “The tender process has given a good opportunity to improve inter-island connectivity for the summer with an additional 25,000 seats. We will be working hard with the preferred supplier to maximise this opportunity if at all possible which includes the feasibility of providing additional services to Alderney.”
Senator Lyndon Farnham, Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture in Jersey, said: “Improving the connectivity opportunities between the Islands remains a clear focus and the proposal under consideration represents a clear improvement on the options available in 2017. It is a good start, but clearly there is still work to be done to secure the maximum opportunities for both islands.”
Manches Iles-Express already runs services between France – from Dielette, Barneville-Carteret and Granville – to Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark.
The governments of Jersey and Guernsey sought tenders for an inter-island summer ferry service following concerns over the limitations of existing air and sea links.
