DFDS will be offering a roundtrip service between Jersey and Guernsey on Mondays starting next week in a move the Danish shipping firm says will “supplement the inter-island offerings from other providers”.

The sailings will utilise the fast ferry Tarifa Jet, with departure times from Jersey varying from 9:20 to 14:20.

The Tarifa Jet will carry out berthing trials in St Peter Port Harbour tomorrow.

Pictured: The San Pawl docked in Guernsey’s Harbour, following its successful maiden voyages.

The announcement follows months of speculation over the level of inter-island connectivity that would be available this year.

Brittany Ferries is already operating crossings between Guernsey and Jersey once a week on Wednesdays under its new schedule, while Guernsey-based company Islands Unlimited launched its daily sailings last week.

The DFDS offering will launch on Monday 16 June and will run every Monday from then until the end of August, on a trial basis.

Deputy Neil Inder, President of the Committee for Economic Development, has signed off on this new inter-island route, saying it will “complement the existing Wednesday service currently provided by Brittany Ferries”.

“Alongside the investment into Islands Unlimited, which is now running an inter-island passenger ferry, this increased scheduling will offer more choice and allow greater flexibility for islanders travelling between Guernsey and Jersey,” he said.

Chris Parker, DFDS route director for Jersey, said: “We’re excited to be able to launch these eagerly anticipated sailings to Guernsey, providing connectivity for islanders.”

He continued: “We have worked closely with businesses and the tourism industry on our provision of inter-island services, in addition to our Poole, Portsmouth and St Malo routes.

“Thank you to residents for their patience and we look forward to welcoming you onboard.”

Pictured: The Brittany Ferries Islander.

DFDS’s decision to enter the inter-island market has affected its other routes.

Some of the already scheduled Jersey to St Malo Monday sailings will be affected by the new trial service.

DFDS has said that customers with affected bookings will be contacted directly to arrange alternative travel.