The launch of a new inter-island ferry service that would have seen a 316-seat catamaran begin sailings today has been delayed – after bad weather held back its berthing trials in Jersey.
Islands Unlimited had previously hoped that San Pawl, which recently arrived in the Channel Islands after being brought over from Malta, would be ready to start its daily service from 30 May.
However, late yesterday afternoon the ferry firm emailed passengers who were booked to travel between Guernsey and Jersey today and told them the sailings were cancelled.
Islands Unlimited initially said that there had been “delays to our operational readiness, which has impacted our ability to complete our obligations as required by the relevant authorities”.
It was later clarified that this related to delayed berthing trials carried out in St Helier yesterday.
In a post on social media, Islands Unlimited wrote: “Regrettably, due to the weather earlier this week, we have only been able to trial the ship in Jersey today and had hoped that all of our operational preparations would have been completed in time for tomorrow. Unfortunately, this is not the case and we have to delay our commencement date.”
The start date for the new inter-island service is now due to be Thursday 5 June.
Passengers whose bookings were affected have been contacted directly and refunds have been offered and arranged where necessary.
“We apologise wholeheartedly for the inconvenience this will cause our valued customers,” said the Islands Unlimited spokesperson.
The news comes amid continued uncertainty over the inter-island connectivity that will be available this year.
DFDS is yet to reveal the details of its inter-island sailings, while Condor is operating crossings between Guernsey and Jersey once a week under its new schedule.
In a statement, Ports of Jersey said: “We’re working closely with our counterparts in Guernsey and the operator to support the launch of this new inter-island service.
“Establishing a new operation of this kind involves a number of steps, and we look forward to the service commencing next week.”