DFDS reports rise in Jersey passenger numbers as ferry demand grows

DFDS says passenger numbers on its Jersey ferry routes have increased over the past year, with strong growth recorded on services to both the UK and France.

The ferry operator reported that its high-speed route between Poole and Jersey carried 10,407 passengers in June, up from 8,572 during the same month last year – an increase of 21%.

Traffic on its St Malo route also rose, with 22,113 passengers travelling between Jersey and the French port, compared with 20,470 in June the previous year. Meanwhile, passenger numbers on the Portsmouth service remained broadly unchanged.

The latest figures come after a challenging period for the company. Last year, DFDS faced criticism from politicians and travellers over a series of delays and cancelled sailings, prompting calls from ministers for improvements to its operations.

Route director Chris Parker said the company was pleased to see demand increasing following changes aimed at improving reliability.

"We are very encouraged by the growth recorded on our Poole and St Malo services, while passenger numbers on the Portsmouth route have remained steady," he said.

"These figures suggest that customers continue to value the choice, reliability and range of services we provide, including high-speed connections to the UK and France alongside our conventional overnight service to Portsmouth."