The governments of Jersey and Guernsey are remaining tight-lipped over Condor Ferries’ financial challenges. After days of silence, the islands have issued a joint statement.
On Friday (15 December) the ferry company put out a public rebuttal to speculation, saying it is not in administration but is working with stakeholders to overcome a ‘challenging time’.
Jersey and Guernsey’s governments have welcomed the ‘reassurance’ that CEO John Napton gave that it will have ‘no impact on services’.
They refer to the operating agreements that remain in place until 2025, and say neither government would comment publicly on any commercial matters.
“Condor has an operating agreement with Jersey, and a memorandum of understanding with Guernsey, to provide ferry services until 2025, and those agreements are still in effect.
The Governments of Jersey and Guernsey welcome the reassurance which Condor gave by issuing a public statement on Friday.
Both Governments have numerous commercial agreements in place with a wide range of businesses, and neither government would comment publicly on any of those commercial matters.”
Condor’s statement was issued on the eve of berthing trials commissioned by Jersey and Guernsey’s governments of a cargo ship
The 163 metre long DFDS Finlandia Seaways vessel was tested in St Helier and St Peter Port on Saturday in what the islands said was part of ‘contingency plans’ for a number of ‘possible risks’, which include supply links.
On Monday both governments issued a further joint statement, separated to the comment they made about Condor Ferries, saying the exercise had been a success.
“We are very grateful to all stakeholders involved in Saturday's exercise with DFDS Finlandia Seaways.
The successful entry, berthing and exit from the ports in St Helier and St Peter Port confirmed the viability of a vessel of this type as a further option for contingency planning purposes, and helped to inform the circumstances and measures that would be required in order to enable this option.
This further strengthens the Islands’ resilience.
Once again, we apologise for any inconvenience caused to planned travel and thank Condor for rescheduling around the exercise."
Neither government has put anyone up for interview on either statement.
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