Brittany Ferries is testing its ship Barfleur in Guernsey's harbour, just as the firm and Condor announced a 30% discount on routes to Spain and Ireland.
The 157m long ropax vessel is due in St Peter Port at around 5pm today (24 April) for berthing trials.
It can carry 900 passengers and 590 cars and currently serves the Poole to Cherbourg route for the company.
The same exercise ran in Jersey last month, which the company said were 'successful'.
Brittany Ferries part owns Condor Ferries and its CEO Christophe Mathieu is also interim CEO Condor Ferries.
He says the tests are part of a back up plan to keep sea links to the island going.
“Our aim with both berthing trials has been to test the capabilities and constraints that might allow us to bring a ship like Barfleur to the islands if needed.
“It’s important because fleet flexibility is key to bringing greater resilience to the islands in the months and years ahead."
Credit: Brittany Ferries, Barfleur.
Condor Ferries' existing agreements to provide ferry services for Jersey and Guernsey expire in March 2025.
A competitive tender process is expected to run to choose who will operate the routes beyond next spring.
Alongside the berthing trials in St Peter Port, Brittany Ferries has also announced discounted fares on ferries to Spain and Ireland for Condor passengers.
Channel Islanders are being offered almost a third off travel to Bilbao, Santander and Rosslare until 31 October.
"We believe this could also benefit inbound tourism, as we will offer a reduction for visitors to travel on Condor’s services to Jersey and Guernsey from these destinations this summer.
"Commercial opportunities are just one example of the closer working relationship between our two companies."
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