THE politician responsible for sea transport has said that HD Ferries would have to commit to a year-round service rather than ‘cherrypick’ when they sail if they are to return to Jersey’s waters.

Assistant Economic Development Minister Alan Maclean has said that it was unfair that Condor continued to operate throughout the year when HD Ferries would often pull out during less profitable times.

But HD spokesman Phil Jones said that if HD Ferries were to resume a Jersey service — a decision that has not been made yet — they would not operate unless they could make money out of their routes. The troubled ferry company had a series of problems with its vessel HD1 last year and had to cancel several sailings in order to carry out repair work.

Deputy Maclean, who is likely to run for Economic Development Minister in tomorrow’s ministerial elections, said: ‘For the last two years, HD Ferries have said that they would operate a year-round service but pulled out in the winter — a less profitable period.