What should have been a routine timetable announcement has instead exposed fresh strains in how Guernsey and Jersey coordinate ferry services.
On Friday, it emerged that the States of Guernsey had set up an “inter-island” working group to improve sea connectivity between the islands, but that the Government of Jersey and DFDS were not involved.
Then, this morning, Brittany Ferries said it had confirmed “optimal” sailing times on the Guernsey-France route – just days after Jersey’s operator DFDS claimed it had secured the prime slot for daytrips, subject to approval from Saint Malo.
The Guernsey operator said in a statement this morning that its ship Voyager will depart from St Malo at 8.15am.
It comes shortly after DFDS announced it had secured the “much sought-after” 7.45am departure slot from the Breton port as part of an improved schedule of sailings to and from France.
Brittany Ferries chief executive Christophe Mathieu accused DFDS and Jersey’s government of making an “early announcement”.
He said: “We are obviously delighted to have secured these optimal timings, as it allows us to continue developing services following such a positive first season.
“The decision reflects the importance of Brittany Ferries to Saint-Malo Port, where, as a group, we increased our freight activity by 48.1% and passenger traffic by 14.1% in comparison with 2024.
“The changes mean we can optimise our operations with the arrivals and departures each day of Voyager and our Portsmouth vessel, the Saint Malo.
“It is also clear that the Government of Jersey and DFDS jumped to conclusions by making an early announcement last week as discussions were still ongoing.”
Brittany Ferries said that the sailing schedule would help support the continued growth of passenger and freight traffic to Guernsey and onward to Poole.
Mr Mathieu added: “We have ambitious plans to develop services from Saint-Malo to the
Bailiwick and onward to the UK, creating opportunities and tangible benefits for local economies and tourism sectors.
“In parallel, we continue to work closely with the States of Guernsey on plans to increase freight volumes to the Island, following three trade delegations during the third quarter of this year.”
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 is now seeking urgent clarification from the St Malo port authorities on the change. The Jersey operator has said that it had received a letter confirming that fast-craft services operating between Saint-Malo and Jersey would be prioritised.
In a statement, a DFDS spokesperson said: “On the basis of this written confirmation, DFDS implemented and communicated its service plan, building on strong early booking levels
for 2026 and beginning work with island and regional partners to promote the route.
“However, all operators have since received a further letter from Saint-Malo Port officials setting out revised departure times, including a proposed change from a 7.45am departure time to 7.15am.”
The spokesperson said this change had not been discussed with DFDS and differs from the earlier confirmation.
It comes less than 24 hours after the strength of collaborative spirit between Jersey and Guernsey was called into question once again – after DFDS was not included within a working group set up to improve inter-island sea travel.
The Danish shipping firm told Express it was “surprised” after it emerged that the group, which involves Brittany Ferries, Manche-Iles Express, and Islands Unlimited, had met for the first time last week.
In a statement on Friday, the States of Guernsey said it was working with the three ferry operators to improve inter-island sea travel “in a way that best serves the community needs and supports greater connectivity for residents and visitors”.
“The group will now continue to meet regularly in 2026 to plan schedules, and Visit Guernsey will be working with them to reflect requests from clubs or associations for travel,” the statement added.
We were surprised to see that Guernsey has established a working group without approaching DFDS
DFDS spokesperson
The announcement follows extensive scrutiny over the extent of sailings between Jersey and Guernsey this year.
Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, president of Guernsey’s Committee for Economic Development, said she anticipated that questions would be raised as to why DFDS “are not currently involved in these discussions”.
“While we remain open to engaging with them at any time and note that they contacted us some time ago expressing a willingness to do so, we have not received any further follow-up,” she continued.
“We also continue to keep discussions open with the Government of Jersey on ensuring a reciprocal rotation from the DFDS.”
But the Danish shipping firm has said it was “surprised to see that Guernsey has established a working group without approaching DFDS”.
“Particularly given that we have both publicly and privately made clear our willingness to participate in any discussions about the future of inter-island connectivity,” the response continued.
“DFDS contacted the States of Guernsey earlier this year to express interest in engaging on these issues and to offer our experience as an established ferry operator. “
However, the ferry operator stressed that it remained “open to dialogue” and would “welcome the opportunity to contribute constructively”.
“Any sustainable and successful inter-island ferry service ultimately requires the support and involvement of both the Jersey and Guernsey governments, as well as operators with the capability and commitment to deliver long-term solutions,” it added.
“DFDS stands ready to engage with all parties to help improve sea travel between the islands for passengers and businesses alike.”
Express has asked the States of Guernsey for comment.
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