The Chairman of Brittany Ferries has written to Jersey's Chief Minister to refute 'damaging comments' made about the company in the island's States Assembly.

Jean-Marc Roué has confirmed the firm will bid again for a Jersey-only tender contract, having already been chosen by Guernsey. 

Despite this, the boss says he has 'no option' but to respond to 'damaging comments' made by politicians last week. 

A segment from his letter reads:

"The Breton farming community have been Brittany Ferries’ majority shareholders since the company’s birth in 1972.

"Their aim at the outset was the same as it is today: to enrich the regions in which it operates, to connect people and to facilitate trade. It is this mindset that will be brought to Guernsey over the next 15 years - and is the promise for businesses and the public in Jersey.

“I should also point out that, never in our 52 year history have we abandoned a ferry line or a service to a region for lack of profitability.

“Our farmer-shareholders are responsible and are proud to be partners with the two major French regions of Brittany and Normandy. We are a highly-respected company and we entered this competition in good faith to continue our service to islanders.” 

"We are prepared, ready and able and to serve Jersey."

WATCH: Under-fire Jersey minister makes statement on ferry saga

Kirsten Morel reading a statement on the ferry saga 

Last week in the States Assembly, Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel raised concerns about Condor's finances.

Using legal protections afforded by parliamentary privilege for comments politicians make during a parliamentary session, the Minister said he has repeatedly sought reassurances, and only recently got confirmation that a future contract would not be with Brittany Ferries but with Condor Ferries.

He told the House:

" I received notice from the chair of the board of Condor Ferries on 11 September, stating that - in the event that Condor was unsuccessful in securing the future operating agreement - the firm could not guarantee that it would be able to continue operating for the remainder of the operating agreement until March 2025.

"The letter made it clear that Condor Ferries would likely require funding from the Government of Jersey of up to £36 million in order to see out its contractual obligations."

Brittany Ferries are majority shareholders of Condor Ferries, owning 51% of the firm that has served the Channel Islands for six decades. 

DFDS and Condor Ferries

Kirsten Morel is currently undertaking a new, fast-tracked ferry tender process, which the Chief Minister has confirmed will result in a decision by the end of November. 

The Economic Development Minister will face more questions on how the process of choosing Jersey's future ferry operator is going by scrutiny politicians later today (19 November) in a public hearing at 3.30pm.