Emeraude has suspended services

A draft air, sea and transport policy approved by deputies last year will be under discussion next week.

It states that ferry operators would only be granted permits on a non-exclusive basis.

But this was before Emeraude suspended operating the St Malo route, affectively giving rival Condor an exclusive service on the route.

This draft policy is now being reviewed with officers considering what sort of market there now is for ferry crossings.

Jersey's competition authority and harbours are being consulted and a final decision is expected by the end of the month.

Talks have also been held this week with the States of Guernsey over a more integrated approach to sea travel including routes to France from both islands.

Emeraude suspended its services to Jersey in December last year after its vessel, Solidor Five, suffered engine problems.