Talks start over Emeraude

The ferry was seized over company debts of £319,000

The woman who will decide the fate of the Emeraude Lines ferry company is discussing the firm's future with the president of the island's Harbours and Airport Committee, Senator Len Norman.

Sophie Gautier was appointed administrator by a St Malo court after the company filed for bankruptcy protection.

Madame Gautier arrived on the Solidor Five ferry, the vessel impounded by Jersey's Harbours Department for non-payment of dues two and a half weeks ago, on Thursday morning.

It was seized after Emeraude Lines went to court in St Malo to get protection from bankruptcy. The firm is understood to owe millions of euros.

Money owed

Although it was subsequently released, Senator Ted Vibert claimed the action damaged Jersey's relationship with France.

Senator Norman said the Harbours Department had had few options other than to impound the vessel to force Emeraude's directors to explain how they would pay the money owed.

He told the States the unpaid harbour dues from the ferry company amounted to about £319,000 to the period up to 6 October.

He said this could have risen to close to £500,000 by the end of December if the Harbours Department had not seized it.

As well as meeting Senator Norman, a representative of Emeraude Lines is also to attend a meeting at Maritime House with Madame Gautier.

The Save Emeraude Group will be holding a meeting at 1800 BST at the Albert Pier to update members of the public on its campaign.