Jersey's and Guernsey's governments believe other bidders will come forward ahead of Condor's contract ending, but want the ferry firm to bid too.

Guernsey’s Economic Development President, deputy Neil Inder and Jersey's Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, deputy Kirsten Morel are leading the work.

They're in the 'first stage', which involves market testing, where ferry operators will be invited to express interest, including Condor.

Deputy Inder says it's about maintaining the sea connectivity:

“It is clear to both Islands that in order to get the best outcomes for our community, our economy and our visitors that we must work in lockstep.

We are starting this process now in order to make sure it’s completed in good time for when the current agreement comes to an end."

He added that Condor, which is the islands' current and long-standing provider, is also permitted to put itself forward for the role.

Deputy Kirsten Morel says this decision will affect every islander:

"98% of goods consumed in Jersey arrive by sea, so every islander and every island business is reliant on these services.

We are in the winding down period of the current operating agreement, which ends in 2025.

This is, therefore, the right time to look at what all operators in the market believe they can deliver in terms of resilience, reliability, passenger experience and sustainability.

This procurement is an open and competitive process and we strongly encourage interest and engagement from all ferry operator parties within this initial market testing phase.”

Condor has a written agreement with Jersey which ends in March 2025. Guernsey has a less formal Memorandum of Understanding with the company and last year lent it £26M to buy the 'Islander' ferry.

Condor has yet to comment on the more open bidding process.