Minister to meet with Condor Ferries

13 December 2007

The Minister for Economic Development, and his Assistant Minister, Deputy Alan Maclean (who has special responsibility for the harbour) will meet management and staff of Condor Ferries and visit St Helier Harbour during the unloading of freight this evening, Thursday 13 December 2007.

The visit follows the extraordinary weather conditions at the weekend which resulted in a number of ferry cancellations and an incident involving the Commodore Goodwill. The Minister and Assistant Minister are interested to see how Condor coped with the delays and discuss the issues with management and staff.

Senator Ozouf says, “The Northern sea route is vital to Jersey with over 80% of the Island’s freight transported from the UK. Condor operate twice daily services for Ro-Ro freight services and even if one crossing is affected there is a knock on effect to business in the Island. This is important with today’s modern just-in-time delivery systems. As Christmas approaches it is vital that the Island receives sufficient supplies (especially of fresh produce) to meet business and consumer demands on a daily basis. I understand the strain the weekend’s problems has put on Condor but I am reassured to hear that the company is making every effort to ensure that the recent difficulties cause the minimum of inconvenience to Islanders. I am looking forward to seeing how Condor has dealt with an extraordinary difficult situation and discuss the problems first hand with management and staff”.

Senator Ozouf and Deputy Maclean will be accompanied by Steve Bailey, Jersey Manager of Condor Ferries and Captain Howard Le Cornu, Chief Executive and Harbour Master of Jersey Harbours