The boss of Condor Ferries tells Jersey customers to 'brace' themselves for the firm's departure and takes aim at incoming operator DFDS.

CEO Christophe Mathieu has emailed Condor Ferries' Jersey customers to tell them what they will miss out on when its contract ends on 28 March 2025.

This follows Brittany & Condor Ferries' 'disappointment' after its legal challenge against Jersey's government failed.

Read: Brittany Ferries' legal challenge of Jersey contract denied

The CEO says the decision 'did not go the way we had hoped' but that that his company 'remains committed to fulfilling our contract'.

He then goes on to slam DFDS' new timetables to the UK and France, which the Danish firm has called 'purposely conservative' for the first year.

Mr Mathieu tells customers: "If you want to get away this spring, our March services might be your only option."

Brittany & Condor Ferries CEO, Christophe Mathieu

"Our competitor promised to hit the ground running, but it seems Poole sailings will not actually be available until 17 April."

The cutting tone continues, as Mr Mathieu criticises the frequency of DFDS sailings and journey times.

"Over the coming months, our schedule would have delivered 747 sailings from Poole and Portsmouth to Jersey.

"A glance at the timetable proposed by the new operator shows just 498 departures, or a third less opportunities for tourism and Island connectivity to the mainland.

"With us you would have seen 46 day trips to St Malo in July and August alone - more than our competitor is actually promising for the whole summer.

"And if you were expecting shorter travel times, brace yourselves: from April onwards, trips to Poole and St Malo will take an extra 30 minutes."

- Christophe Mathieu, Brittany & Condor Ferries CEO

Condor passing Herm

Mr Mathieu concludes the email 'on a brighter note' , telling islanders they will be able to book inter-island ferry travel on Wednesdays soon.

Condor is waiting for Ports of Jersey's approval before releasing its schedule to Guernsey and Jersey.

"We are optimistic there will be other opportunities for linking the islands, so do keep an eye out for updates."

"As we approach the next chapter of our maritime journey, we remain immensely proud of the six decades we’ve spent serving the Island. Here’s to fair winds and safe travels ahead for us all."

- Christophe Mathieu, Brittany & Condor Ferries CEO

St Peter Port Harbour

A spokesperson from DFDS said:

“DFDS has now released its full timetable servicing the island of Jersey up to the end of September 2025, setting out a schedule that aims to be both reliable and resilient.

"In line with this commitment, DFDS has made a considerable investment into a fleet that can provide modern and comfortable accommodation for its travellers, the completion of which will impact some route availability at the start of operations but will meet the high standards we always aim to deliver.

“We acknowledge the strong history that connects Jersey to its previous operators and, as we step into this role, fully understand the concerns regarding changes in travel frequency and journey times. We are open to all feedback and will be reviewing and enhancing our timetable on an ongoing basis to ensure that the island remains well-connected to France and the UK.

“DFDS is focused on building a long-term partnership with Jersey, establishing a local team that can provide visibility and a human touch point to support its customers. We are excited to develop our future services in collaboration with the people of Jersey, exploring opportunities through DFDS’s ‘Global for Local’ approach, and embedding operations into island life to become a valued part of the community.”