Guernsey pulls out of multi-million Condor ferry purchase

Thursday 08 September 2022

The States of Guernsey has abandoned plans to buy a new passenger ferry for Condor.

The island’s Chief Minister, and President of its leading Policy and Resources Committee, confirmed yesterday that the proposed deal was off – just eight months after saying there was "a better than even chance" of buying a ferry imminently.

The purchase plan – which Jersey’s government was not consulted on – was first announced back in January.

Condor said it would operate the ship in addition to those in its fleet, rather than as a replacement. The States of Guernsey said it expected to invest £15m to £20m in a new vessel, which was then to be leased to Condor.

Pictured: Jersey's former Economic Development Minister Lyndon Farnham (left) was not told about the original decision - despite the two islands saying they were "working closely" together on improving sea links. 

At the end of May, Deputy Peter Ferbrache said in a wide-ranging podcast interview with Express, that said he remained confident that a States-backed ferry would be purchased during 2022.

However, Deputy Peter Ferbrache told the island’s States yesterday that the plan had sunk.

Replying to a question from Deputy Peter Roffey during a meeting of the island’s States about whether his Committee still intends to buy a ship, Deputy Ferbrache said: "No, they don't." 

"There are the separate investments of the States [overseen by a separate investment board], which is looking at whether there should be money advanced to purchase a ship which would be owned by that investment fund,” he continued.

"But it wouldn't be owned by the States of Guernsey. It wouldn't be owned by us. Deputy Roffey and I wouldn't be Captain Roffey and First Mate Ferbrache."

Minutes later, Deputy Neil Inder, whose Economic Development Committee is responsible for securing and promoting air and sea links, said he planned to meet Condor CEO John Napton to demand improvements in its service to the island in 2023.