Brittany Ferries is testing berthing the Barfleur in St Helier harbour this morning (26 March), ahead of doing the same in Guernsey.
Ports of Jersey says the company, which is a shareholder of Condor Ferries, is testing the 157-metre-long vessel as part of its own 'business continuity plans.
Two tugs are supporting the Barfleur's arrival to Jersey, to ensure a safe entry into the port. The vessel is around 30 metres longer than Condor's Commodore Clipper, Goodwill and Islander.
A couple of Ports of Jersey pilots will also be onboard the ferry to help the bridge team and give them local knowledge of island waters.
Guernsey will see a similar trial at a later, unconfirmed, date.
In December 2023, DFDS trialed a similar berth of the 162 metre long Finlandia Seaways. The governments of Jersey and Guernsey commissioned that test as part of their own contingency plans.
It comes as Condor's written agreement with the islands comes to an end in March 2025. Guernsey has a less formal Memorandum of Understanding with the company and last year lent it £26 million to buy the 'Islander' ferry.
READ: Condor Addresses Rumours On Finances
In February 2024, Condor's CEO, John Napton, stepped down and Brittany Ferries' CEO Christophe Mathieu was appointed to take over the interim position, with immediate effect.
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