Guernsey rejects DFDS inter-island ferry proposal over harbour operational concerns
- Economic Development rejects DFDS proposal for inter-island ferry service using 'Stena Vinga'
- Proposed Friday evening arrivals would fall outside standard operating hours, creating operational challenges
- Concerns raised over vessel availability due to reported maintenance requirements during proposed schedule
- Proposal deemed not aligned with reciprocity principles agreed by both governments in 2025
- Committee remains open to dialogue with DFDS, Jersey government and Brittany Ferries on alternative solutions
Economic Development has rejected a proposal by DFDS to operate an inter-island ferry service between Guernsey and Jersey, citing operational challenges and concerns over service deliverability.
DFDS submitted the proposal in February to run a service using the 'Stena Vinga', which would arrive in Guernsey from Jersey on Friday evenings and return to Jersey on Monday afternoons.
The committee consultated with Guernsey Ports and Customs and Immigration as part of its assessment, alongside evaluating operational, legal and market impacts. This included examining potential effects on existing ferry services, other providers, and the safe operation of Guernsey's port infrastructure.
Following the review, the committee concluded it could not approve the proposal in its current format. Officials identified material operational and resourcing challenges, particularly as most proposed Friday evening arrivals would fall outside standard operating hours, creating knock-on effects for Saturday freight and passenger sailings.
The committee also expressed concerns about the deliverability of the proposed service and the availability of the 'Stena Vinga', given public reports that the vessel would require maintenance during the proposed schedule period.
Additionally, the committee said the proposal did not align with reciprocity principles previously agreed by both governments as the foundation for strengthening inter-island links. This refers to the 2025 commitment by Jersey's Minister for Sustainable Economic Development to pursue a reciprocal service model, based on one return sailing per week using a high-speed craft, similar to the service offered by Brittany Ferries.
Despite rejecting the current proposal, the committee emphasised it remains open to constructive dialogue with DFDS, the Government of Jersey and Brittany Ferries to explore alternative arrangements that could better serve islanders and businesses.
Economic Development President Deputy Sasha Kazantseva Miller, said: "The Committee has given this proposal very careful and detailed consideration. 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. In doing so, we have also been mindful of the political commitment made in 2025 to develop a reciprocal inter island service model, providing balanced, two-way connectivity between the Islands."
She continued: "However, having consulted closely with Guernsey Ports and Customs and Immigration, and having assessed the wider operational and service impacts, we are not able to approve the DFDS proposal in its current form."
The committee president stressed that discussions remain open, stating: "That said, the door is not closed, and we remain very open to further discussions on potential solutions that are operationally viable, legally robust and capable of delivering a genuinely reciprocal service, comparable to the high speed return model currently offered by Brittany Ferries."
Deputy Kazantseva Miller added that the committee had "reiterated its position about the importance of working collaboratively with both DFDS and the States of Jersey directly or as part of the inter-island ferry group to identify future opportunities that enhance inter-island connectivity, while ensuring fairness, sustainability and consistency with Guernsey's operational requirements."
Background and history
The Channel Islands ferry service saga began in May 2024 when Jersey and Guernsey launched a joint tender process seeking a new provider to replace Condor Ferries' existing contracts, which were set to expire in March 2025. The pan-island tender collapsed in October, when Guernsey revealed that it had decided to appoint Brittany Ferries – Condor Ferries' majority owner – as its preferred bidder. Jersey responded by launching its own tender process, ultimately awarding a 20-year contract to DFDS in early 2025. Brittany Ferries challenged Jersey's decision through judicial review but failed, with Jersey's Court of Appeal ordering the company to pay £40,000 in legal costs to DFDS. The Guernsey service officially began on 28 March 2025, with passenger numbers increasing by 29% compared to 2024 by the first anniversary in March 2026.
Q&A
Q: Why was the DFDS proposal rejected?
A: The Committee for Economic Development cited operational challenges with Friday evening arrivals falling outside standard hours, concerns over the vessel's availability due to maintenance requirements, and the proposal not aligning with agreed reciprocity principles.
Q: What was DFDS proposing to do?
A: DFDS proposed operating an inter-island ferry service using the 'Stena Vinga', arriving in Guernsey from Jersey on Friday evenings and returning to Jersey on Monday afternoons.
Q: Is there still a possibility for future collaboration?
A: Yes, the Committee emphasised it remains open to constructive dialogue with DFDS, the Government of Jersey and Brittany Ferries to explore alternative arrangements that could better meet islanders' and businesses' needs.
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