Plans for DFDS to operate an inter-island ferry service have been rejected by Guernsey politicians.
The States of Guernsey’s Committee for Economic Development confirmed it has turned down an application from DFDS to run a regular service between the islands using the Stena Vinga vessel.
The proposal would have seen the ferry arrive in Guernsey from Jersey on Friday evenings, returning late on Monday afternoons.
In a statement, the Committee said it had carried out “careful and detailed consideration” of the plans, including discussions with Guernsey Ports and Customs and Immigration, as well as an assessment of legal, operational and market impacts.
A key concern was the timing of sailings. Most Friday evening arrivals would fall outside standard operating hours, creating knock-on pressures for port services and potentially affecting weekend freight and passenger operations.
There were also doubts about whether the service could be reliably delivered. The Committee noted concerns over the availability of the Stena Vinga, amid reports that the vessel would require maintenance during the proposed operating period.
Crucially, the proposal was also judged to be at odds with a political agreement reached with the Government of Jersey in 2025. That commitment centred on a “reciprocal model” of ferry services — effectively a balanced, two-way weekly connection between the islands.
That model is currently reflected in an arrangement involving Brittany Ferries, which offers a high-speed return sailing designed to optimise connectivity.
Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, President of Guernsey’s Economic Development Committee, said the decision had not been taken lightly.
“We recognise the importance of strong and reliable inter-island connectivity, particularly at weekends, and we remain committed to improvements that genuinely benefit the Bailiwick as a whole,” she said.
However, she added: “Having consulted closely… and having assessed the wider operational and service impacts, we are not able to approve the DFDS proposal in its current form.”
Despite the refusal, Guernsey has stressed that discussions are ongoing. Deputy Kazantseva-Miller said “the door is not closed” and confirmed the Committee is open to further talks with DFDS, Jersey and Brittany Ferries.
Officials have suggested alternative arrangements could still be explored — provided they are “operationally viable, legally robust and capable of delivering a genuinely reciprocal service”.
It comes after two applications from Loganair to run lifeline routes to and from Guernsey – including inter-island flights – were rejected by a panel of Guernsey politicians earlier this year.
Guernsey’s Transport Licensing Authority issues air transport licences for designated essential routes to and from Guernsey, which include Gatwick, Alderney and Southampton – with Jersey to became an essential route from 15 January.
The TLA rejected Loganair’s bids but approved a bid from Aurigny, which is wholly owned by the States of Guernsey.
DFDS has been approached for comment.