Island authorities failed to evaluate potential dangers of reducing ferry service between islands

The islands of Jersey and Guernsey, located in the English Channel, have been experiencing some changes in their inter-island ferry services.

The renewal of ferry contracts began as a pan-island process in May last year. However, the process took an unexpected turn in October when Guernsey appointed Brittany Ferries as its preferred bidder, causing a rift in the pan-island approach.

Brittany Ferries, which won the contract in Guernsey, is continuing with its weekly service between St Peter Port and St Helier. The company has also published timetables for the route up to the end of August 2026.

On the other hand, DFDS, which won the subsequent Jersey-only tender, signed a 20-year contract to provide passenger and freight services. This decision has committed the States of Jersey to an exclusive provider for a period a third longer than was originally specified.

However, concerns have been raised about the lack of a thorough evaluation of the contracts. Reports by Jersey's Comptroller and Auditor General and Lynn Pamment, a former deputy of Guernsey's States, found no documented review of the risks or benefits of a 20-year contract with DFDS. Ms. Pamment's report also stated that there was no documented impact assessment against risk appetite to justify this decision.

The significant reduction in inter-island provision was accepted without fully evaluating the 'value added', according to these reports. The government of Jersey did not conduct a formal risk assessment when deciding not to include an inter-island service in its contract with DFDS.

The absence of an inter-island service in the DFDS contract has left residents in both islands uncertain about future inter-island ferry services. The winter schedules published by DFDS have further added to this uncertainty.

Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to establish an increase in ferry connectivity between Jersey and Guernsey. Islands Unlimited, based in Guernsey, operates daily foot passenger sailings between the islands, and Brittany Ferries has been running weekly high-speed crossings.

As of now, the last date available to book for Guernsey services with DFDS is Monday 27 October. The name of the person who conducted the report on the awarding of ferry contracts for Jersey and Guernsey is Michael John Pitt.

These developments highlight the importance of thorough evaluation and transparency in public contracts, ensuring the best interests of the residents are met.