Ferry Good News – Guernsey Chooses Brittany Ferries!
Grab your life jackets, people! Guernsey has made the big decision to roll with Brittany Ferries for the next 15 years. They must really love their croissants and sea breezes! I mean, who wouldn’t want to travel via a boat that’s got “Brittany” in its name? It’s like ordering a fish and chips at a French restaurant – a real cultural fusion!
Now, as we look across the water, Jersey hasn’t managed to make its mind up just yet. It’s like waiting for a bus only to find out that it’s a double-decker with a malfunctioning schedule. Kirsten Morel, Jersey’s Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, promises a decision will come soon. Fingers crossed! We’ll just have to wait and see which ferry service can woo them with fancy brochures and maybe a free pint of cider.
The Committee’s Choice
Guernsey’s Committee for Economic Development (CED) has unanimously chosen Brittany Ferries, claiming they offer “certainty for island residents and businesses.” You know what they say, behind every great decision is a group of equally great minds agreeing that “we need a ferry that’s not going to sink, right?”
Brittany Ferries plans to use their own management and infrastructure and will drag Condor’s current fleet into the mix. So it’s like mixing an experienced band with a local garage group – you never really know what you’ll get!
Waiting for Jersey
The CED stated, “Guernsey’s preference remains a shared pan-Channel Island service with Jersey, but we await word from our Jersey partners; expected tomorrow.” Drama alert! It’s like a romantic reality show but with ferries instead of roses. Will Jersey join in the love fest, or is this just a summer fling?
A Jersey spokesman acknowledged how significant this decision is. After all, ferry services could make or break a vacation (or a commute). You know, like trying to get to work and choosing the wrong train line – you’d rather swim across the sea than face that horror.
Thrilled and Grateful
Meanwhile, the chief executive of Brittany and Condor Ferries, Christophe Mathieu, is “thrilled” about this new licence. He made it sound like they just won the lottery – and honestly, who wouldn’t be excited about an opportunity to operate over the next 15 years? That’s longer than some of my relationships!
With 70 years of experience under their belt, they’re clearly ready to develop vital sea links. Maybe they’ll set up a karaoke night on the ferry. “My heart will go on” while we’re cruising the ocean – now that’s a ferry ride I’d pay for!
The Best Possible Deal
CED president, deputy Neil Inder, noted that the tender process hasn’t been easy. Who knew selecting a ferry service could involve so much drama? He assured everyone that the results provided the best possible deal for islanders. It’s said that good things come to those who work for it – or to those who know how to haggle like a seasoned market vendor!
In the spirit of negotiations, we learned Irish Ferries is no longer in the running in Jersey. If I were them, I’d send in a singing telegram asking for a second chance! Or just send chocolate, works every time!
BBCGuernsey has selected Brittany Ferries as its preferred bidder, securing a critical contract to operate its vital sea links for the next decade and a half. The choice was unanimous, reflecting the strategic importance of reliable ferry services to the island’s economy and the well-being of its residents.
Guernsey’s Committee for Economic Development emphasized the necessity of this decision, highlighting its commitment to provide certainty for island residents and businesses alike amidst operational adjustments.
Brittany Ferries will be responsible for managing freight and passenger services, utilizing both its management expertise and infrastructure, along with integrating Condor Ferries’ existing fleet into their operations efficiently.
Furthermore, the committee expressed a hope for a cooperative service model with Jersey, pending the government’s response, expected shortly.
A representative from the States of Jersey acknowledged the significance of this contract, noting that the ferry services would continue for the next 15 years, which is crucial for all islanders, and that efforts are underway for a timely conclusion.
Economic Development member Simon Vermeulen fully backed the decision, asserting that Brittany Ferries has a proven track record and underscoring the diligence exercised in the selection process, which was prolonged from earlier timelines.
Christophe Mathieu, the chief executive of both Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries, expressed excitement regarding the new license that enables them to strengthen and expand their essential sea links for the coming 15 years, emphasizing a collaborative approach that would optimize services for both Guernsey and Jersey.
The announcement from Guernsey follows persistent calls from various ferry operators and businesses urging for a swift resolution to the ongoing deliberations, which have been perceived as detrimental to tourism.
Deputy Neil Inder, the president of the Committee for Economic Development, noted the tender process’s challenges but affirmed it was conducted professionally, ultimately securing the best possible terms for the islands.
Should Brittany Ferries operate exclusively for Guernsey, adjustments to service operations will be made, but the island is assured of maintaining adequate freight and passenger capacity, enhanced fleet resilience, and a commitment to improved customer service.
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The recent decision by Guernsey’s Committee for Economic Development (CED) to select Brittany Ferries as its preferred operator for ferry services is creating quite a buzz! This unanimous choice is hailed as a bid for stability and reliability for the island’s residents and businesses. The amusing analogy comparing the ferry selection to a musical collaboration highlights the uncertainty that can come from merging experienced and less seasoned operators—let’s hope the mix creates harmony instead of cacophony!
As Guernsey awaits input from Jersey on establishing a joint service, we’re kept on the edge of our seats. It’s reminiscent of a romantic reality show, with the stakes being the essential ferry connections that enable tourism and daily commutes. The acknowledgment from Jersey’s representatives about the importance of this decision underscores how vital these ferry services are for the island community.
Brittany Ferries’ chief executive, Christophe Mathieu, is understandably excited about the 15-year contract—an opportunity that resembles winning the lottery! With a wealth of experience, they’re well-positioned to enhance the transportation links across the channel. One can only hope this venture may include some onboard entertainment, like karaoke sessions featuring “My Heart Will Go On” during the sunset cruise. Now that would add some flair to the ferry experience!
CED president Neil Inder’s comments reflect the challenges faced in the tender process, which likely involved strategic negotiations akin to a high-stakes market deal-making. The elimination of Irish Ferries from the running emphasizes the competitive nature of this selection, with remaining contenders feeling the pressure to impress.
Ultimately, we find ourselves hoping for a smooth sail into the future as various stakeholders navigate through negotiations and operational details. The anticipation for Jersey’s response adds an exciting twist, making this ferry saga feel like a cliffhanger in a beloved series. Will it be a happy ending for islanders and tourists? Time will tell, but let’s keep our fingers crossed for smooth sailing ahead!
So, will this ferry saga end in blissful cruising or will Jersey drag it out like a soap opera cliffhanger? Tune in next time, folks, for the sequel: “Ferry: The Lost Decision!” Seriously though, let’s hope they sort it out for the sake of islanders and tourists alike. It’s time for smooth sailing!