We should know in October which ferry firm will be serving the Channel Islands. Three companies, Condor Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries, are understood to have bid for the contract.

That is what Jersey's Economic Development Minister has told the island's States Assembly today (10 September), refuting any suggestion the process has been delayed.

Deputy Kirsten Morel said the work is being led and undertaken by officials, who will make 'an objective evidence-based recommendation' to him and his counterpart in Guernsey 'for final political approval in October'.

He told the House: "I currently expect to be able to inform the Assembly and the public of the successful bidder in October."

Deputy Morel was asked if that date followed the original timeline for the tender process. A previously-published one said unsuccessful bidders would be informed this week and the final contract would be awarded by 30 September.

But Deputy Morel said there had been 'no delays during the tender process' and that the tenderee was able to 'change the order or sequence of the process as they wish':

"Any media reports suggesting there were delays, I would say, were not entirely accurate.  The October.. the end of September, October,..has always been the envisaged time for making the announcement, to the best of my knowledge." 

Three firms  - Condor Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries - are understood to have bid for the joint Jersey and Guernsey government contract to operate passenger and freight services in the Channel Islands from April 2025 and for the next 15 years.

The Minister insisted that Jersey and Guernsey have 'equal say' in who wins.  He was asked what will happen if the island's don't agree.

"I am in regular contact with my counterpart in Guernsey, Deputy Neil Inder.  We don't discuss preferences, because we don't have preferences.  We are awaiting the report from officials that will provide an objective recommendation.  It is not for Deputy Inder or myself to pre-empt that recommendation."

He later continued:

"There is an agreement in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding between myself and Deputy Inder as to how we will work in the event of disagreement. Part of that agreement is for both islands  to work together in very good faith to try to ensure that we do come to an agreement at the end of it."

The Minister was also asked whether any 'transitional arrangements' or government-interventions would need to be put in place after a decision has been announced and before the commencement of the new contract.

"It is quite possible that transitional arrangements may be necessary, particularly if the incumbent operator isn't successful in this bid.  

"The exact look of those transitional arrangements I couldn't describe at the moment."

A recent audit report cast doubt on Condor's future if it fails to retain the contract. 

Brittany Ferries announced last month its intention to become the majority owner of Condor Ferries.  The takeover is currently awaiting approval from Jersey and Guernsey's competition regulators.

Passengers are currently unable to book any ferry from the Channel Islands travel beyond next spring.