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The boss of Condor Ferries has told the ����ý, the company "remains committed" to providing a service in the Channel Islands until the end of its contract next year.

Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries issued the statement amid ongoing concern from Jersey's sustainable economic development minister, Deputy Kirsten Morel.

Condor Ferries is one three companies shortlisted to operate the ferry service from March 2025.

A decision on which company will win the new contract is expected to be made by politicians later this month.

Last month, Mr Morel sought assurances from Condor Ferries that if unsuccessful in their bid, services would still continue until the operator change over in spring next year.

"Should Condor's contractual relationship end next year, I fully expect the company and its stakeholders to have made adequate provision for continuity of services through to expiry of the operating agreement on 27th March 2025," he said

"I continue to seek adequate assurance on this point from the board of Condor and wrote to them recently on precisely this point."

'Fully understand the importance'

Mr Mathieu has since told the ����ý: "We have been in communication with Deputy Kirsten Morel regarding our current Operating Agreement and remain committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders on the continued delivery of services."

However, Mr Morel said has still not received a direct response from Condor.

He said he hopes Condor and its parent company "fully understand the importance of sea connectivity for our island community.

"I look forward to receiving assurances from them in the near future and consider this an entirely separate matter to our ongoing procurement process," added Mr Morel.

Danish firm DFDS and Irish Ferries are shortlisted together with Condor Ferries.

The successful bidder is expected to run ferry services to and from the Channel Islands for 15 years.

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