
A new ferry company has begun operating Guernsey's main sea routes into the UK and France.
A contract signed by the States of Guernsey in December 2024 means the island's 60-year association with Condor ends today (28 March 2024).
Until 2040, Brittany Ferries (Condor's parent company) will be in charge of maintaining the island's lifeline sea links - getting both freight and passengers to and from the UK and France.
BF CEO Christophe Mathieu says it 'a new era' for Guernsey connectivity.
"It is exciting for us in BF because we are very pleased and very committed to develop and serve Guernsey as per our contract.
"Fleet renewal is a part of the agreement with Guernsey, but it will be another few years before that materialises.
"We are talking about future vessels and electrical equipment in the port so that we can use decarbonised vessels going forward. All of these discussions are happening as we speak."
The Islander has already had a BF rebrand.
The Voyager is the first fast ferry to arrive into St Peter Port from France with BF in charge.
BF has currently scheduled only one Jersey sailing per week this summer.
The other island opted for DFDS after a joint tender process broke down last year.
Mr Mathieu says the split is not ideal.
"Overall, for both islands and the islanders, time will tell if it was the right decision.
"I think we've made very clear our frustration over the process, but hopefully it will be the right decision for everybody, although I very much doubt it."
A look back at Condor - 1964
Condor’s first passenger vessel, Condor 1, entered service on 1 May 1964 on a journey between France and the Channel Islands, carrying 136 passengers.
In modern times, Condor Ferries has reported carrying almost a million passengers and 200,000 vehicles a year on its CI routes.
Condor 4 and Trident alongside the Albert Pier (Credit: Jerripedia)
Condor leaflets from 1980 and 1973 (Credit: Jerripedia)