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A major review of Condor's services says that if Islanders want more back-up services to reduce delays, then the States would have to step in with more support. But they have confirmed they won't be adding another high-speed ferry to back-up the Condor Liberation on the UK route.
Overall, the review says that Condor is meeting it's two critical strategic objectives - providing a safe, compliant and sustainable lifeline ferry service for both freight and passenger; and delivering a reliable, year round freight service - but there is some room for improvement in communication, minimising disruption, reliability, port facilities and offering day-trip options.
One of the most controversial aspects of Condor's service has been whether its fleet is up to the job.
The review says that the company does plan to replace the Condor Rapide with a new ferry for the St Malo route and eventually replace the freight-only ferry - the Commodore Goodwill - with a 'RoPax' ferry, capable of carrying both passengers and cars as well.
That fleet would then give more flexibility to cover technical problems, as all four Condor vessels would be able to carry passengers, which is not currently the case.
But to do it soon, Condor say they would need to see an increase of 60% in passenger travel between the Island and the UK, unless the States are willing to support them:
"As there is no reasonable expectation of being able to generate a return on the investment which would be required in order to purchase an additional RoPax for the fleet, as well as to cover the increased operating costs, it may be that the States of Jersey and States of Guernsey wish to explore with Condor other changes to the operating model (e.g. a longer Operating Agreement or an operating subsidy) which would make such an investment viable."
Passengers have suggested getting rid of the Condor Liberation and replacing it with another high speed ferry but the company say they won't be considering this anytime soon given the good reports it has had form the Jersey Harbour Master and Houlder Ltd. They also say they have no plans to add another high-speed ferry:
"As there is no reasonable expectation of being able to generate a return on the investment which would be required in order to purchase an additional HSC for the fleet, the high speed service between the Channel Islands and the UK should continue to be provided by one ship."
The company says it's committed to improving its customer services after getting so many complaints last year, mainly when the Liberation joined its fleet, and are looking at improving the experience for passengers by introducing Wi-Fi on board.
They say the Ports of Jersey need to do some work though on improving delays because the hold-ups at immigration are making day-trips from France less appealing.
CEO Paul Luxon said: “I am delighted we have been able to deliver the Comprehensive Service Review ahead of schedule and that it covers more ground than originally required. It sets out clearly the extensive range of factors which need to be taken into account in planning future ferry services for our Islands.
"The Channel Islands ferry services are intrinsically connected, both freight and passenger, winter and summer on both northern and southern routes because the market is too small to support independent or competing services.
"Whilst each of us has our own personal priority for ferry services, the Review clearly identified two Critical Strategic Needs which must be protected. 'A safe, compliant and sustainable lifeline ferry service for both freight and passenger' and 'A reliable year round freight service' really are critical matters for life in the Channel Islands, and so I am pleased that the Review has found that Condor’s service is fully aligned with both of these Critical Needs.”
Jersey’s Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture Minister Lyndon Farnham said: “This Review must be the catalyst that instigates detailed discussions between all parties on the basis for future investment in ferry services to and from the Islands. I remain committed to working with all interested parties to ensure the delivery of reliable, sustainable and affordable ferry services that are so vital to our community and our economy.”
The company will be carrying out another service review by January 2019.
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