The Economic Development Minister has highlighted a £300 million commitment from DFDS to invest in new vessels that will be “purpose built for Jersey’s routes”, as he sought to reassure islanders that they “will continue to see more improvements” from the Danish ferry operator.
Deputy Kirsten Morel acknowledged that “the transition period has not always been smooth”, but contended that “the true marker of a good faith partner is how they rise to meet challenges when they do arrive”.
DFDS commenced its Jersey sailings at the end of March, having signed a 20-year contract to operate the island’s ferry services to the UK and France.
But the operator has since faced criticism over its performance, which last month saw Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham acknowledge concerns that the level of service delivered so far “falls short of what was promised”.
I’m confident we will continue to see more improvements as DFDS refine their service
Deputy Kirsten Morel
But speaking at a Chamber of Commerce event yesterday, Deputy Morel pointed to some of the challenges DFDS had addressed to date.
This, Deputy Morel said, included mobilising “a completely new service in just three months”, as well as updating schedules following feedback from retailers and adjusting company policies on dogs, horses and bicycles based on islanders requests.
“They’ve invested directly in the freight service by buying the Caesarea Trader,” he continued.
“They’ve put on extra sailings where there has been demand – operating 9% more departures in Q2 2025 than we saw in the same period last year.
“And after a slow start to the summer season they carried 4% more visitors last month than in August 2024.”
The Minister noted that “there may be more challenges”, citing St Malo’s major port redevelopment beginning this Autumn, but stated that DFDS was “committed to continuously delivering improvements on both routes next year”.
“I also want to see DFDS upgrade the onboard experience on their Levante Jet vessel, better coordinate their marketing in France with Visit Jersey and implement a frequent traveller scheme, which I expect to see in the coming months,” he added.
“We are just six months into a twenty-year concession agreement and I’m confident we will continue to see more improvements as DFDS refine their service.”
He also sought to highlight some of the “strong foundations” within the agreement, including a £300 million investment in brand new vessels “which will be purpose built for Jersey’s routes” – the first of which is due to operate on the southern route by 2028.