Ferry companies and business groups are urging an "immediate" decision on the future operator for ferry services in the Channel Islands, with the current contract set to expire in March. Brittany Ferries, Condor Ferries, the Jersey Chamber of Commerce, and the Jersey Hospitality Association (JHA) expressed concern that ongoing delays in awarding the contract are harming tourism.
Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries, cautioned that tourists may choose other destinations if uncertainty continues. Condor Ferries' existing contracts with Jersey and Guernsey end on March 27, 2025, and the next operator is expected to hold a 15-year agreement. Jersey and Guernsey government representatives have been contacted for comment.
The contract bidding process, which started in May, is now almost a month behind schedule. Bidders—Condor, Danish firm DFDS, and Irish Ferries—were initially told a decision would be reached by the end of September.
Mathieu highlighted the challenges facing tourism workers and ferry staff, noting the lack of bookings for Channel Islands routes in 2025 due to the uncertainty. “Those thinking of a holiday here may simply go elsewhere,” he warned.
JHA’s Marcus Calvani echoed these concerns, emphasising that the delayed decision is undermining confidence in an already challenging time for the local hospitality industry. “Our industry needs clarity to support growth, but uncertainty with ferry services is holding us back,” he said, adding that JHA members are seeing a drop in bookings.
Guernsey's Chamber of Commerce acknowledged that major community decisions require time but stressed that the overdue decision is disrupting business operations. “A timely resolution is essential,” it stated, urging a prompt decision to give businesses the clarity needed to plan for the year ahead.