Retailers concern at freight disruption due to Muratti ferry

Ferry changes to take football fans to the Muratti finals in Guernsey will impact supplies on shop shelves this weekend, retailers have warned.

The Stena Vinga - which carries freight and passengers - will not operate its scheduled Jersey–Portsmouth overnight service on Friday 16 May, nor the Portsmouth–Jersey service on the morning of Saturday 17 May.

DFDS has cancelled two sailings and delayed another by an hour, to make room for the special Muratti sailings, which will leave Jersey at 7.30am, and arrive back in Jersey at 7pm, for islanders to watch the Muratti Vase action at Guernsey's Victoria Park.

The Chamber of Commerce has raised 'very serious concerns' about the loss of a scheduled freight delivery over the weekend, calling the changes 'unwelcome'.

It says its retail trade members have also expressed concern around the lack of prior consultation and limited communication regarding the alterations.

Stocks have been low across the island this week, as CI Coop deliveries were affected by the UK cyber attack - meaning more pressure was put on other retailers, and Coop’s stock was depleted.

This concerns freight that would have arrived on the cancelled Portsmouth route. The freight-only Arrow cargo service remains unaffected.

The Chamber warns shoppers there might be fewer supplies in the shops as a result:

'...the loss of a scheduled freight delivery will impact the timely arrival of fresh produce and goods essential for weekend trade.

The disruption is particularly acute for Saturday evening and Sunday trading, with some members indicating they will not receive replenishment stock until Monday morning.'

The business group has  highlighted concerns around product availability, increased costs, food waste and customer confidence, with some stock 'likely to arrive out of date due to shorter product life'.

'The Chamber believes it is essential that stakeholders within the freight, retail and logistics sectors are engaged early in decisions that may affect critical supply lines, particularly given Jersey’s reliance on imported goods.'

DFDS has made changes to its regular sailing schedule to accommodate football fans.

Chris Parker, Route Director for Jersey at DFDS, has previously apologised for the inconvenience, but says the match is 'important' and the changes are in response to 'overwhelming demand' from footy fans.

“The Muratti is an important occasion for the islands, and we are proud to be supporting it with this special return sailing.”

The ferry firm says it has assisted affected passengers with alternative bookings.