Vending machines selling food and drinks may replace the concession stands on the fast ferries, The Royal Gazette has learned.

The Little Venice Group, which has the concession deal, stopped providing services to commuters in October when the cruise ship season ended because it was not economically viable.

Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown told The Royal Gazette Government is considering having only vending machines on the ferries and at the terminals, but they will probably be run by Little Venice.

The boats may also provide free coffee for passengers, he added.

Dr. Brown said he could not recall if Little Venice was required to provide the concession service year-round, but he was prepared to be flexible because it was a new venture and the company was acting in good faith.

"We've been flexible in this because it is a new situation," he said.

"People are getting on the ferry and have 20 minutes exposure to the concession and it turns out that most people get something before they get on or they will get a drink while on the ferry, so we've been flexible with the concessionaire because they have good intentions.

"Right now, we are working on an alternative model involving vending machines. We think they (Little Venice) are working in good faith and we should have some new and exciting things that give the passengers the opportunity to buy before they get on the ferry."

He said permission had still to be sorted with the Corporation of Hamilton to ensure the vending machines could be installed in the city.

"Maybe we'll just have vending machines on the boat or maybe free coffee," he added.

Little Venice director Emilio Barbieri said his company stopped the concession when the cruise ship season ended because "it made no sense as there was practically no sales at all".

But he said he expected the service to resume in April when the cruise season restarts.