Sogestran will operate the Solidor 5

The deal with French ferry firm Sogestran means the vessels the Solidor Four and Solidor Five will continue to sail the route.

Jersey's harbour authorities say Sogestran is now committed to providing the service.

The company took over the ferry business in November after Emeraude filed for protection from bankruptcy in October with debts said to be in the region of four million euros.

Dues guarantee

A French tribunal is still to decide whether debts owed to a number of creditors will be paid.

However, the Jersey ramp deal does include a guarantee from Sogestran that it will pay future harbour dues to Jersey.

The Harbours and Airport Committee president, Senator Len Norman, said the deal delivers some financial security.

He said: "The ramp permits has been issued, the agreement has been signed and the company will be operating the route until 2004 when the permit runs out."