Politicians in Guernsey and Jersey are still talking about our inter-island travel links, with questions lingering over the commercial viability of running the services.
Deputy Sasha Kazansteva-Miller, President of the Committee for Economic Development in Guernsey, and Deputy Gerald Voisin, her equivalent in Jersey, held talks two weeks ago.
In response to a question asked in Jersey’s States Chamber this week, Deputy Voisin said they had been “positive discussions,” but no solutions have yet been offered to the public.
After the discussions were held last month, Deputy Kazantseva-Miller said there were no “quick solutions,” however she reiterated the pair’s resolve to find them.
“We share a commitement to exploring practical opportunities to improve connectivity by both sea and air and the opportunities to promote the Channel Islands tourism collectively and enhance the benefits that connectivity brings to both Bailiwicks,” she said.
Deputy Voisin tempered expectations in Jersey’s States Chamber this week, saying that recent demand for inter-island transport has “not been especially strong, particularly outside the peak visitor season”.
“For example, during DFDS’s high-speed inter-island trial in 2025, passenger volumes were reported to be significantly below commercially sustainable levels. Any investment in services must represent value for Jersey taxpayers’ money.
“As we continue to examine sustainable options in Jersey, and with our partners in Guernsey, any financial support, and our approach to it, remain under evaluation.”
The two politicians are due to agree on next steps at a future meeting.
In the meantime, Aurigny is flying between the islands each day with two flights in each direction.
There is one ferry service per week between Guernsey and Jersey, operated by Brittany Ferries on a Wednesday.
The inter-island foot passenger ferry service operated by Islands Unlimited ended early this season after the boat’s engine failed.
DFDS had asked to operate sailings between Jersey and Guernsey on a Friday and Monday but the arrival and departure times requested were outside of harbour operating hours.
