Fast Ferry Trials Scheduled Ahead of Launch
- markdarrenwilkinso
- Apr 11
- 1 min read
A brand-new fast ferry is set to begin trial runs this Friday in Jersey, ahead of its first passenger sailings scheduled for Saturday, operator DFDS has confirmed.
The vessel, Tarifa Jet, was originally due to launch on 28 March, but its debut was delayed after technical issues forced the cancellation of the inaugural crossing.
DFDS says the high-speed ferry will now take over the popular St Malo route, allowing the slower Stena Vinga to be reassigned to northern routes serving Portsmouth and Poole.
Until now, DFDS has been relying on the Stena Vinga to maintain the Jersey–St Malo connection, following its takeover of the route from Condor Ferries in March. Condor had operated the service for six decades.
DFDS also expressed appreciation for another vessel in its fleet, Côte D'Albâtre, which temporarily covered the Portsmouth route while the Tarifa Jet underwent final maintenance.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our customers for their patience,” a DFDS spokesperson said. “We’re excited to welcome everyone aboard soon.”
