Falling Newspaper Sales Put Ferry Service in Jeopardy

A daily freight ferry linking Jersey and Guernsey could be under threat due to falling newspaper demand and rising fuel costs.

The Channel Chieftain V, operated by Iris Freight, has delivered newspapers and essential goods between the islands for the past 10 years. However, managing director David Nuth said the number of newspapers carried has halved to around 25,000 a week - putting the service’s future in doubt.

“Wouldn’t be able to survive”

Mr Nuth warned the ferry may only have three to five years left, adding that without newspaper deliveries the operation “wouldn’t be able to survive”. He also cited rising fuel costs, with the company spending up to £100,000 a year on fuel.

Despite the decline in print media, the ferry continues to transport a wide range of goods, including medical supplies, dental equipment, bakery products and seafood. Over the past decade, it has also carried passengers, seals for rehabilitation, and more than a million bread rolls.

Businesses on both islands say they rely heavily on the service, with some warning they would struggle to operate without it.

The Jersey government has been contacted for comment.