The delay, stressed Jersey chief executive Gordon Forrest, was a problem that could not have been foreseen, but had nothing whatsoever to do with the ramp licence in St Helier that will need to be renewed on Monday.It was believed to be about the change of Emeraude’s name, as the French company, Sogestran, has been given leave to purchase the company.
However, he was himself not clear what the exact problem was.Because of the ‘administrative problem’, the ferry was unable to leave St Malo early this morning to travel to Jersey, and at 9 am the Elizabeth terminal and ferry waiting area were full of dismayed passengers, who had checked in to board the ferry.They received the impression that the delay was because ‘there was no licence’, and there was nothing that could be done because it was a French matter.Then they were told there was an indefinite delay, and that they should go home and wait for the company to contact them.
Would-be passenger Bob Henkhuzens, phoning from the harbour this morning, said: ‘There are lots of cars and lorries, and lots of unhappy people.
It is an absolute disgrace, and a PR disaster.
We are told that it’s because of the change of ownership, and they have to apply for a new licence – but they must have known that they would need a licence.’
