Another brief bout of inter-island awkwardness appears to have been resolved, with Jersey now joining Guernsey’s inter-island ferry travel working group following a call between the two Economic Development leads.
Last week, the States of Guernsey announced that a new working group had been set up and had already met – but without Jersey politicians or Jersey’s main ferry operator, DFDS, at the table.
The group brought together the States and three ferry operators – Brittany Ferries, Manche‑Iles Express and Islands Unlimited – with an aim of improving inter-island sea connectivity, particularly around events and inter-insular travel in 2026.
Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, President of Guernsey’s Committee for Economic Development, admitted at the time that there would be questions over the lack of Jersey inclusion.
She explained that DFDS had expressed interest in being involved but hadn’t followed up, while she said the States would “keep discussions open with the Government of Jersey on ensuring a reciprocal rotation from the DFDS”.
DFDS said it was “surprised” by the move.
However, the tune had changed by yesterday afternoon, following a call with her Jersey counterpart, Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel.
“I am very pleased to say that following a call with Deputy Morel yesterday, the States of Jersey have confirmed their interest in joining the working party with Brittany Ferries, Islands Unlimited, and Manche-Iles Express to develop better inter-island sea connectivity in 2026. They will be joining the newly established working group from its first meeting in 2026 and we will be pleased to include DFDS as well,” Deputy Kazantseva-Miller said.
“As announced last week, the group will be working on ensuring there are suitable timetables in place to cover interisland events for sporting clubs and associations, and will also be looking to improve timings and availability of general interi-sland sailings. It’s very positive to see the strong political will in Jersey to improve inter-island travel and we look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Jersey and DFDS on this and securing a reciprocal rotation.”
While the inter-island working group tensions appear to have been resolved, some still linger over yesterday’s claim from Brittany Ferries that DFDS had jumped the gun with its Saint Malo sailings announcement, with the Guernsey operator stating that it had claimed the best slot, rather than its rival.
As a result, DFDS’s ferry departure time has been moved forward by 30 minutes from the previously announced 7.45am to 7.15am, in a move the Danish firm said had not been discussed.
DFDS said it is now seeking urgent clarification from the Saint Malo port authorities on the change, stating that it had received a letter confirming that fast-craft services operating between Saint-Malo and Jersey would be prioritised.
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