BRITTANY Ferries’ takeover of Condor will “result in a better service” for passengers, according to the French firm’s chief executive.
Christophe Mathieu’s comments come after the Jersey Competition and Regulation Authority approved his company’s bid to become a majority stakeholder in Condor.
JCRA chief executive Tim Ringsdore said further details would be published by the watchdog soon.
Condor is vying with Danish shipping firm DFDS to win the new contract to operate Channel Island passenger and freight services. Irish Ferries are also understood to be bidding for the contract, which is due to end in 2025.
Mr Mathieu confirmed that as majority shareholder with a 51% stake, Brittany Ferries would assume operational responsibility for Condor “with immediate effect”.
He also claimed that the move would “result in a better service for Condor’s passengers”.
The chief executive said: “Brittany Ferries possesses the experience, expertise, and scale, combined with deep knowledge of the transport sector and customer service over five decades, to implement best practices effectively.
“This is not a short-term arrangement; rather, Brittany Ferries’ philosophy will be integrated into passenger and freight management as part of a long-term strategy.”
The latest report from Condor UK Holdings – the investment company under which Condor Ferries sits – stated that winning the tender from March 2025 was “fundamental” to the operations of the company and the wider group.
Recent figures released by Condor highlighted that journeys between Jersey and Guernsey this summer were up 75% compared to last year, while there was also a 16% rise in foot and car passengers on services to and from the UK and France.
The ferry operator hit the nationals recently after a holidaymaker was left stranded in the Island when she was turned away from a Jersey-to-St Malo sailing because her passport did not have enough room for French officials to stamp, despite this not being a European requirement.
Following the incident, Condor said it had changed its policy. The company also reimbursed the passenger £280 and offered her a £70 voucher.
