DFDS is purchasing a freight and passenger vessel that has been used by the ferry operator on charter since it started its Jersey operations last year.
Mathieu Girardin, head of the Danish shipping firm’s ferry division, described the acquisition of Stena Vinga from Swedish ferry operator Stena Line as “a natural step which supports our long‑term operations and commitment to serving Jersey”.
The 125-meter-long vessel can carry up to 400 passengers and 200 cars and has a freight capacity of 1,500 lane metres.
The ferry has proven to be a good fit for Jersey and has performed well during the charter period
Mathieu Girardin, head of DFDS’ ferry division
She will continue to operate routes between Jersey, the UK and France, with the purchase due to be completed in November.
Mr Girardin said: “The addition of Stena Vinga further strengthens our fleet resilience.”
He continued: “The ferry has proven to be a good fit for Jersey and has performed well during the charter period.
“Bringing it into our owned fleet is a natural step which supports our long‑term operations and commitment to serving Jersey.”
Mr Girardin added: “We look forward to continuing to welcome customers on board and providing them with a reliable and comfortable experience.”
Stena Vinga was built in 2005 and is equipped with 40 cabins, a restaurant, a duty-free shop, a cinema and a recliner lounge.
She will be reflagged under the UK flag and renamed to fit with the existing DFDS fleet.
DFDS has also said it plans to “begin recruitment across all ranks” and expects to create 70 new positions, including cadets and apprentices, to “support the continued growth of the service”.