States of Alderney Ends Subsidy After Ferry Tender Process Failure

The States of Alderney has ended the ferry tender process failure with no subsidised service between Alderney and Guernsey. Alderney Ferry Services will raise fares by £15 per person, including children. The route will continue without a States subsidy, but at a higher ticket price.

Stuart Clark and the tender

Stuart Clark, the Economic Development Committee chair, said the committee was not satisfied that the tender criteria were met to warrant public funding. He 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."

The committee carried out a tender process to appoint a ferry provider for a subsidised seasonal inter-island service. It concluded it was not in a position to award a subsidy to a preferred provider after applicants could not meet its criteria.

Alderney Ferry Services fares

Alderney Ferry Services said it had not been awarded the subsidy and would increase fares. The company said the subsidy had helped it "keep our ticket prices at a reduced rate" and added, "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."

Clark said he was "confident that the range of providers competing in the market will ensure that connectivity between the islands continues," and the committee said it would continue to investigate various options for providers in the future. For passengers, the immediate change is simple: the subsidised fare structure is ending, and Alderney Ferry Services says the price rise will follow.