Guernsey and Brittany Ferries are finalising contract agreements, with a schedule expected 'shortly'.

Within the terms and conditions, the company will have to agree to a full financial and operational guarantee to provide services for the duration of the contract.

The new contract is said to make sure Brittany Ferries will operate at the same capacity for freight and passenger services as is currently provided, with no notable price rises for customers.

However, there will be a change in fleet usage and timings to fit the Guernsey-only service.

President of the Committee for Economic Development, Deputy Neil Inder maintains the view that the tender process was undertaken correctly, in line with the agreed rules and methodology, and that a preferred bidder could be appointed:

"It is grateful for the interest and professionalism of all of the parties who engaged in the tender process.

"The final discussions in relation to the draft contract are taking place this week. As soon as we have an agreed draft contract the schedule will be published.

"These types of contracts are complex, but I have made it clear to officers that I want the work done to enable us to publish the schedules this week, not next week."

The Committee for Economic Development has said it is concerned with some of the narratives around the process and believes there is a need to clarify it again to islanders, before it formally selects Brittany Ferries as its preferred bidder:

• The Invitation to Tender was jointly agreed upon by Guernsey and Jersey, by officers, and politically. The 10-month process was run jointly by evaluators in both islands.
• The process was closed by the Senior Responsible Officers in both islands.
• The Committee would not have wanted to discuss individual bids publicly. However, as it was confirmed in the Jersey States that DFDS’ bid received a legal fail the Committee feels obligated to clarify the DFDS bid received a legal fail in both islands.
• Brittany Ferries' bid was firm and passed all requirements under the tender, including financial.
• The Committee followed the tender process to its rightful conclusion given the circumstances and did not consider it fair or appropriate to take any other course of action.

Deputy Inder continues:

"I’ve been concerned about public commentary in relation to Condor’s prior financial challenges.

"I consider this somewhat of a red herring, given Condor’s financial issues at the end of 2023 were well known and importantly occurred when it was owned by a different company – Columbia Threadneedle.

"No funding was provided by the States of Guernsey at the time and Brittany Ferries subsequently became the majority shareholder of Condor, bringing increased financial security."