Subsidised service dropped after failed tender

There will be no subsidised ferry service between Alderney and Guernsey as a tender process proved unsuccessful, the States of Alderney has said.

The Economic Development Committee said it had gone through the process to appoint a ferry provider to operate a subsidised seasonal inter-island service, but said applicants could not meet its criteria.

The committee said it considered the results and concluded it was "not in a position to award a subsidy to a preferred provider". Alderney Ferry Services confirmed it had not been awarded the subsidy and that it would be increasing its fares.

The committee said it would continue to investigate "various options" for providers in the future.

Committee chair Stuart Clark said: "This is not a decision which we have come to lightly however, the investment of public funds in the current financial climate must be supported by both quantitative and qualitative factors to satisfy internal and external scrutiny.

"On this occasion, we are not satisfied that the tender criteria were met in order to provide us with the required assurances to warrant such an investment of public funds."

The committee said while it wasn't "the outcome the committee hoped for", it included "reflection on the current connectivity provided by the independent operators who continue to service the route without a subsidy from the States".

Clark said he was "confident that the range of providers competing in the market will ensure that connectivity between the islands continues".

Alderney Ferry Services said its subsidy from the States had helped it "keep our ticket prices at a reduced rate" but now would be raising them by £15 per person - including children.

It said: "Whilst this is not the decision we hoped for - we would like to assure our passengers that we remain committed to providing this vital sea link between the islands.

"As a small family run company we don't like increasing our fares, we understand that even the smallest increase can impact the decision to travel.

"We'd like to reassure passengers that we are still committed to providing this route and would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support."

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