DFDS says it is 'meeting demands' of contract for service delivery

Thursday, 21 August 2025 12:32

DFDS says it meets obligations of the service delivery contract with the government, after the Chief Minister publicly criticises them for 'falling short'.

The ferry operator was DFDS criticised publicly yesterday (20 August) by the Chief Minister, who demanded better from the firm, saying it was 'falling short' of what islanders were promised.

READ: Jersey's Chief Minister demands better service from DFDS after winter schedule backlash

The hospitality sector has criticised the withdrawal of Poole sailings this winter, and raised concerns that the fast ferry will not run over Christmas, and only one high-speed vessel will be in use at Easter and until 1 May.

Channel 103 has put those concerns to Route Director Chris Parker:

"We have a contract and we are delivering services between Jersey and the UK, and Jersey and France, which are in line with that contract or indeed what's expected in that.

"Whilst I acknowledge concerns, what I would say is, we do have capacity, which is three times the expected volume, I think where we need to work with the JHA, and where we are working with Visit Jersey and other partners, is how we can successfully market that together."

Despite objections from hospitality and the Chief Minister, DFDS won't be reinstating the fast ferry to Poole this winter. It says it's matching capacity with demand.

Mr Parker says he acknowledges the public concerns, but that the challenge is marketing the island to make running routes worthwhile:

"If you look at the demand for ferry travel over the winter on the Poole route, for example, between November and March, fewer passengers travel than in the month of June alone, it really is that seasonal.

"St Malo is twice the market of the UK - both Poole and Portsmouth combined."