New bidder emerges for Emeraude

A decision will be made on the ferry company's future next week

A Jersey family has put in a bid for the struggling French ferry company, Emeraude Lines.

There is already an existing bid from the French company Compagnie Nationale de Navigation.

Emeraude had its car ferry, Solidor Five, impounded by the harbour authorities last month for failing to pay harbour dues. It was later released.

Although details about the family have not yet been made public, the chairman of the Save Emeraude Group, Sean Power, says they will have to finalise their plans before the French court administrator, Sophie Gautier, makes a decision on the company's future next week.

"What is happening now is that in France both the Jersey bid and French bid are in involved in seeing what can be done to refinance the ship," said Mr Power.

"I believe then both bids have got to come up with more information to Miss Gautier by Monday and I believe she will make a final decision on Wednesday."