Condor Ferries has expressed its shock at Jersey government's request to extend its current contract by seven months.

Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said yesterday (6 Nov) that he was inviting Condor, which is majority owned by Brittany Ferries, to stay on as the island's ferry operator for now. 

READ MORE: Jersey asks Condor to keep operating for an extra seven months

However, Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany and Condor Ferries, said the firm has "not yet received any formal notification from Jersey’s government regarding these developments".

His full statement reads:

“Following media reports yesterday that the Government of Jersey plans to launch a new tender and has requested a short term extension of our current operating agreement, Brittany Ferries is both surprised and disappointed by this development.

"Over the past nine months, Brittany Ferries has invested considerable resources in the process, providing extensive information to assist Jersey’s government in reaching a decision.

"We firmly believe that this is comprehensive and sufficient for concluding the existing process.

"We have not yet received any formal notification from Jersey’s government regarding these developments so are seeking clarification on the extension request, along with precise details of the new Jersey-only tender. 

"Brittany Ferries has also written to both governments asking for further clarification on key aspects of the current process as a matter of urgency.”

Deputy Morel said the contract extension was necessary due to the Channel Island tender process falling apart:

"Because of the position, I and my colleagues at the Government of Jersey find ourselves in, I've said to say the joint tender process is no more.

"I really, really want to make sure the visitor economy and islanders are able to book for next summer, so that's why I've offered Condor Ferries an extension for seven months on their existing operating agreement.

"It's really important that islanders feel they can travel. It's really important that islanders have that certainty and ability so I really hope Condor take us up on that offer.

"If not, we will find other ways to make sure there are services next year."

Both DFDS and Condor have been invited to 'work closely' with the government as they work towards choosing a company to operate long-term.

Deputy Morel says a decision as to which ferry company will take on a 15 year contract has been pushed back to 'before the New Year'.