“For the past three years, we have been working with the UK, Channel Islands’ and French authorities and through the UK Chamber of Shipping on the implications of Brexit,” he said.
“As a consequence, there are no issues transporting freight to the islands as the process has not fundamentally changed. Our slots are also safeguarded in Portsmouth so the just-in-time supply chain of food, medical and other consignments will continue well into the future.”
There are, equally, “no concerns” over freight shipments through St Malo.
Pictured: We are told that there have been no post-Brexit teething issues with Condor’s St Malo freight links.
“Condor is established and recognised as customs clearance agents after developing streamlined procedures and documentation for manifest declarations, safety and security and entry permits,” said Mr Luxon.
If Condor sees calm seas ahead for its freight shipping, the opposite must be said for passenger sailings from continental Europe, which are expected to return when the pandemic allows.
“A very serious matter for Condor and for the islands, however, is the border restrictions that will impact on inbound passengers from 1 October 2021,” said Mr Luxon.
The likelihood is that, from October, visitors from France will be required to carry passports, rather than the more widely used ID cards.
Pictured: Mr Luxon said the likelihood of new passport requirements are “not the news we would want after such a difficult and challenging year.”
“We estimate that 30% to 40% of our continental passengers only possess ID cards and understand they are not considered valid travel documents,” said Mr Luxon. “It is unlikely every visitor will want to spend €85 on a passport just to travel to Jersey or Guernsey, so the effect on tourism numbers could be significant.
“We proactively sought support from Guernsey and Jersey last year and made representations at UK government level as this is of real concern and not the news we would want after such a difficult and challenging 2020.”