Guernsey’s Economic Development Committee has rejected a proposal from DFDS to operate a weekend inter-island ferry service using the Stena Vinga.
The Committee claims the proposed Friday evening arrival falls outside of St Peter Port Harbour’s standard operating hours, which would create resourcing challenges for Guernsey Ports and Customs and Immigration and would negatively impact costs and the efficiency of Saturday’s freight and passenger sailings.
ED has also expressed doubt regarding the reliability of the service, citing reports that the Stena Vinga requires maintenance during the proposed schedule.
The Committee argued that the DFDS proposal didn’t align with its reciprocal model agreed with the States of Jersey last year.
“The Committee has given this proposal very careful and detailed consideration,” said ED President, Deputy Sasha Kazantseva Miller.
“We recognise the importance of strong and reliable inter-island connectivity, particularly at weekends, and we remain committed to improvements that genuinely benefit the Bailiwick as a whole.
“In doing so, we have also been mindful of the political commitment made in 2025 to develop a reciprocal inter island service model, providing balanced, two-way connectivity between the islands.
“However, having consulted closely with Guernsey Ports and Customs and Immigration, and having assessed the wider operational and service impacts, we are not able to approve the DFDS proposal in its current form.”
The President of Economic Development added that any new service should provide balanced, two-way connectivity comparable to the high-speed return service currently offered by Brittany Ferries.
While the proposal was declined, the Committee has said it remains open to talking with DFDS, Brittany Ferries, and the Government of Jersey to find an operationally viable and legally robust alternative.
“That said, the door is not closed, and we remain very open to further discussions on potential solutions that are operationally viable, legally robust and capable of delivering a genuinely reciprocal service, comparable to the high- speed return model currently offered by Brittany Ferries,” said Deputy Kazantseva-Miller.
“The Committee has reiterated its position about the importance of working collaboratively with both DFDS and the States of Jersey directly or as part of the inter-island ferry group to identify future opportunities that enhance inter-island connectivity, while ensuring fairness, sustainability and consistency with Guernsey’s operational requirements.”
More to follow…