DFDS Changes Ferry Schedules as Storm Austen Approaches Jersey

DFDS has announced further ferry cancellations and timetable changes ahead of Storm Austen, with additional passenger and freight sailings being considered to reduce disruption to Jersey.

High-speed ferry services between Jersey and St Malo have been cancelled for the remainder of the week and throughout the weekend as severe weather is forecast across the Channel Islands.

The next planned high-speed service is an additional return sailing on Monday 26 October, subject to weather and operational conditions.

DFDS is also exploring the possibility of running extra sailings on Sunday, using Stena Vinga on the Portsmouth route and freight vessel Caesarea Trader, if conditions allow.

Freight supplies remain a priority

The ferry operator says maintaining essential freight supplies to Jersey remains a key priority during the disruption.

DFDS is assessing whether Caesarea Trader can reach the Island on Saturday, depending on the weather and whether a safe operating window becomes available. An additional freight sailing on Sunday is also under consideration to help protect Jersey’s supply chain.

Chris Parker, DFDS Route Director for Jersey, said further disruption was unavoidable given the severe weather forecast.

He apologised to passengers whose travel plans had been affected, particularly during the school holidays, and said the company was working to minimise the impact by exploring additional passenger and freight services.

Mr Parker said decisions would continue to be reviewed daily in line with the latest weather forecasts, with safety remaining the priority.

He added that DFDS would make every effort to keep passengers and freight moving as soon as conditions permitted.

Ferry terminal offices to close

Following Government advice, DFDS’s offices at the Jersey ferry terminal will be closed on Friday 23 October. The company’s customer contact centre will remain open as usual, with staff available to assist passengers remotely.

DFDS is contacting customers affected by cancellations and timetable changes directly.

Passengers booked to travel, or planning a journey over the coming days, are advised to check the latest sailing updates before travelling to the Harbour.

Any additional services will depend on weather and operational conditions, and passengers should be prepared for further changes as Storm Austen approaches.