DFDS Sets Out Freight Contingency Plan After Cargo Ship Fire

DFDS has announced additional measures to safeguard freight services after a fire broke out on one of its cargo vessels earlier this week.

The Caesarea Trader was sailing from Jersey to Portsmouth on Monday afternoon when a fire started in the ship’s engine room. Emergency services, including a coastguard helicopter and an RNLI lifeboat, were dispatched to assist the vessel, which was located off the Isle of Wight at the time of the incident.

All crew members and the single passenger on board were reported safe.

The roll-on roll-off vessel, previously operated by Condor Ferries under the name Commodore Goodwill, is now expected to be towed to port so inspections and damage assessments can be carried out.

In an update issued on Tuesday, DFDS outlined its contingency arrangements to ensure essential freight continues to reach Jersey. The company confirmed that Stena Vinga will operate an additional freight-only crossing today, departing Portsmouth at 10.30am, with affected customers being contacted directly.

DFDS also said its standby vessel, MV Arrow, has departed Dunkerque and is scheduled to arrive in Portsmouth at 6am on Wednesday. Work is ongoing with freight operators to finalise a revised sailing schedule.

The Chief Minister said the government was being kept informed throughout the incident and commended the emergency services for their rapid response in supporting the vessel.