The Condor Ferries CEO has launched a blistering attack on rival operator DFDS – claiming that his company would have provided 50% more crossings to England from Jersey than those planned by the incoming provider.
He has also hinted that inter island services will be bookable soon.
Christophe Matthieu sent a strongly-worded email to Condor’s Jersey-based customers today slamming the Danish shipping giant’s lack of fast ferry options between the island and Poole, slower crossings to France, and fewer overall sailings for our sister island.
In his message, the CEO claimed that Condor would have provided 50% more crossings to England from Jersey over the timetabled period – with 747 sailings compared to DFDS’s proposed 498.
“With us you would have seen 46 day trips to St Malo in July and August alone – more than our competitor is actually promising for the whole summer,” wrote Mr Matthieu.
The Condor boss, who is also CEO of Condor’s parent company and losing bidder Brittany Ferries, also hinted that his company may be ready to abandon any idea of further legal action against the decision by Jersey’s government in early December to award a contract to DFDS.
Mr Matthieu said: “You will be aware that our recent legal challenge to overturn the ferry tender decision did not go the way we had hoped.
“We fought with conviction because we believe in standing up for what’s right and whilst disappointed with the result, can take comfort in that we gave it our all.”
Mr Matthieu also highlighted the lack of fast ferry services on Jersey’s schedules until 17 April, which DFDS has previously explained was caused by refurbishment work on its new fast ferry Levante Jet.
And he pointed out that crossings from Jersey to St Malo would take 30 minutes longer – DFDS has said this scheduling was to provide greater reliability and would be beneficial to the environment.
While DFDS has yet to confirm its inter-island services, Mr Matthiew said it would “soon” be possible to book on his Condor’s crossings between the two islands once approval had been granted by Ports of Jersey.
“We are optimistic there will be other opportunities for linking the islands so do keep an eye out for updates,” he added.
The Condor CEO also encouraged passengers to make the most of the services provided by his company before 27 March.
Express has asked whether Brittany Ferries has ended any intention of further legal challenges, and has also asked DFDS for a response to its rival’s claims.