Companies in Dispute Over 'Ferry Loan' Agreement

Ferry Service Launch Marred by Confusion Over Vessel Request

The rollout of Jersey’s new ferry contract has been overshadowed by confusion surrounding whether one company requested to borrow another’s vessel.

On Thursday, DFDS abruptly canceled its first passenger sailings on the Tarifa Jet, scheduled for Friday between Jersey and St Malo, giving travelers less than 24 hours’ notice.

Chris Parker, DFDS’s route director for Jersey, stated that the company had approached Condor Ferries to use its Liberation ferry but was informed that it was unavailable. However, Brittany Ferries, Condor’s parent company, denied receiving any such request, while DFDS maintained that an inquiry had been made.

Uncertain Communication

Parker explained that during an assessment with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, a few issues were identified that needed to be addressed before the Tarifa Jet could sail.

“It’s incredibly disappointing and, to be frank, slightly embarrassing for us as DFDS,” he admitted. “But ensuring the ship is fully prepared is our top priority.”

Further disruptions followed, with DFDS canceling Saturday’s Jersey-to-Portsmouth service on the Stena Vinga due to “operational changes.” The company issued a revised schedule for Sunday, with a rescheduled Jersey-to-Portsmouth crossing departing at 21:00.

Acknowledging the inconvenience, DFDS announced on social media that all affected customers would receive a full refund along with a complimentary return journey in the future.

Disputed Claims Over Ferry Availability

When questioned about seeking alternative vessels, Parker reiterated: “We asked Condor about using its Liberation ferry, but they informed us it wasn’t available.”

Brittany Ferries, however, contradicted this account. A spokesperson stated, “It’s unfortunate that DFDS didn’t have contingency plans in place. Condor Liberation had already been taken out of service, we had no crew available, and our operational license for the island expired the previous day. Additionally, our team was not contacted by DFDS or Jersey authorities regarding assistance.”

DFDS responded by reaffirming its stance: “We can confirm Condor was approached but was unable to assist.”

A Rocky Start to the New Contract

Kirsten Morel, Jersey’s Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, described the disruption on day one as “not a great start” for DFDS’s new contract.

While he acknowledged DFDS’s efforts to communicate with affected passengers, Morel noted that the situation created a poor first impression. “We anticipated some teething issues, and unfortunately, that has materialised, which is disappointing. However, we must move forward,” he said.

DFDS’s Parker assured that the company was committed to resolving the situation swiftly. “We recognize the need to prove ourselves, and unfortunately, we’ve stumbled at the start. We have significant work ahead to build confidence in our service, but we’re determined to do so.”