The Condor Liberation appears to be up for sale amid reports that the ferry company’s UK headquarters could see a significant number of job losses.
Condor Ferries staff have allegedly been told that 31 jobs could be axed in Poole.
The Bournemouth Daily Echo has reported a letter was sent to staff citing the cost of losing the contract for Jersey’s services for the necessary cut backs.
The letter is reported to state that the contract for Jersey’s ferry services makes up approximately 60 per cent of the company’s turnover currently.
Six months ago Brittany Ferries purchased Condor, and became its majority shareholder.
While Brittany Ferries was Guernsey’s choice for the new inter-island ferry contract, Jersey opted for Danish ferry giant DFDS.
The two operators are set to serve Guernsey and Jersey separately from next month.
The letter to staff also reportedly claims that there is a chance to save the 31 jobs at risk in Poole, with the potential use of Transfer of Undertakings regulations (TUPE).
This is a UK law which would basically see DFDS takeover that part of Condor’s business.
However, with the company being Danish and its contract being with Jersey, where TUPE doesn’t apply, it could still mean the loss of employment for the staff at Condor’s Poole HQ.
Shortly after the report, a listing advertising the Condor Liberation appeared on Shipselector.com, an online market place for large ships and vessels.
The vessel was purchased by Condor Ferries in 2015 for £50 million. Its current price is listed as “available on request”.
In a recent interview with French media, Jean-Marc Roué, President of Brittany Ferries’ governance board, said that what would happen to the vessels currently operating the Jersey route was “under discussion” – but that it was likely some may be sold.
Separately, UK maritime enthusiasts are convinced the Commodore Clipper is up for sale – although Condor has not yet confirmed this.
A post on an Isle of Man Facebook forum suggested a Norwegian ship broker had reached out about the vessel being placed on the market.
It’s also suggested that the Clipper could be reunited with her sister ship – ‘Ben-my-Chree’ – which is currently serving the Isle of Man, if the Manx government were interested in buying it.
In his recent interview, Mr Roué claimed that Condor was “preparing for the transfer of employees”, but that Brittany Ferries was not allowed to participate in meetings.
“This is not a way to work intelligently together. Normally, no one will be left unemployed. On the Channel Islands routes, there will soon be six ships that need to be crewed. Logically, there should even be new hires for seafarers,” he said.
Contacted by Express for a response, DFDS commented: “Our focus is on preparing to deliver the best possible service to all customers, both from Jersey and elsewhere, and we continue to work with stakeholders in the Channel Islands, Brittany, and the UK to provide connectivity.”
Express has asked both Condor Ferries and parent company Brittany Ferries for comment on the reported redundancies and ship sales.
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