The Economic Development Minister has defended the decision to cancel two DFDS sailings to accommodate Jersey supporters attending the Muratti Cup in Guernsey last month.

Deputy Kirsten Morel explained that the Government asked DFDS examine options for inter-island connectivity around the football match due to the “unique cultural importance” of the Muratti and “DFDS’s status as Jersey’s new ferry operator”.

He was responding to a written question from Deputy Monty Tadier which asked about the freight, passenger and reputational impact of the two ferry cancellations on 16 and 17 May 2025.

I believe the reputational impact of not facilitating a milestone of this type for islanders would have been great, indeed

economic development minister kirsten morel

Defending the decision, Deputy Morel said that retailers regularly adapt to weather related cancellations at short notice.

“On this occasion retailers had a week’s notice of a single rotation being cancelled,” he said, adding that the Government only received representations from one supermarket retailer protesting the schedule change.

The Minister explained that DFDS had to use the Stena Vinga for the “one-off” Muratti sailing as the Levante Jetis is “not interoperable” with Guernsey’s harbour ramp, and the Tarifa Jet was “heavily subscribed” with passengers.

“A cancellation to this [Tarifa Jet] route would have left islanders stranded [in France] over the weekend,” he added.

Deputy Morel also explained that the Government does not hold data on the number of passengers or vehicles booked on the cancelled sailings, but said that everyone affected was contacted and offered alternative sailings or refunds by DFDS.

He concluded: “Lastly, the question references considerations of the reputational impacts on the change.

“I would reflect that this year marked 120 years since the first Inter-Island Murratti, an event which has only ever been cancelled by the World Wars and COVID.

“I believe the reputational impact of not facilitating a milestone of this type for islanders would have been great, indeed.”