04 December 2024
DFDS chosen to operate Jersey ferries from March 2025
Jersey's Government has announced that the Danish ferry operator DFDS is its preferred choice to take over routes to and from the Island.
The firm was up against Condor Ferries' parent company, Britanny Ferries, in vying for the contract.
The Government says choosing DFDS will bring several benefits for Islanders, including:
More frequent ferries to the UK and France at peak times
Faster ferries to the UK
Three brand new ferries delivered in the next six years
Two dedicated high-speed ferries during the summer
Freight firms have also been offered a flat rate card instead of volume-based pricing, which the Government says will 'provide greater certainty and improve freight competitiveness'.
The decision was made by Jersey's Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, Deputy Kirsten Morel, and backed by the Council of Ministers.
Deputy Morel said: “We have run a robust procurement process that has been independently moderated, and the results show DFDS to be the strongest strategic partner for Jersey.
"A partnership with DFDS will deliver new investment, including new highspeed vessels, more sailings in peak periods and a reliable and resilient service for Islanders, visitors and businesses."
The Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Farnham, added that the decision comes after "very careful consideration" and believes it presents "the best possible ferry service for Jersey long into the future.
What does this mean for Islanders?
For the first time in decades, Jersey and Guernsey's ferry routes are being operated independently. Condor Ferries is expected to disappear as a brand early next year, with Guernsey's routes operated as Brittany Ferries instead.
Brittany Ferries has already announced plans for one return inter-island sailing a week, but both operators' final schedules are yet to be announced.
DFDS' Jersey schedule is due to be announced by the end of next week (Friday, 13 December).
Condor Ferries will continue to serve Jersey routes until the end of March 2025.
Why have Jersey and Guernsey chosen different operators?
Both governments are elected to make what they think are the best decisions for their respective Islanders. For ten months, both islands attempted to run a joint tender process, but after Guernsey's government announced it preferred Brittany Ferries, Ministers in Jersey decided to run its own tender process instead.
Where will DFDS sail to?
The ports DFDS will sail to from Jersey are yet to be confirmed, but the Danish ferry firm currently operates out of many European ports, including Dover, Dieppe and Newhaven.
Further, DFDS has a busy network operating in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, and Holland, as well as in Spain, Gibraltar, and Morocco. Could its new presence in Jersey be the start of expanding the company's operations in the English Channel?
How much will travelling with DFDS cost?
Prices for passenger sailings to and from Jersey are yet to be announced, but we know DFDS plans on charging a flat rate for transporting freight, rather than volume-based pricing.
Booking through DFDS' website, a family of four could take their car from the UK to France and back for around £125.
What is it like on board a DFDS ferry?
While it may depend on the ferry you travel on, reviews say DFDS ships are comfortable and well-equipped. On its current routes, the company offers free on-board Wi-Fi, a range of eateries, duty-free shopping, a play area and a Premium Lounge.
They provide a range of cabins for longer journeys, including their economy range (sleeping 1-4 on bunks), doubles (sleeps 1-2 on a lower bed with luggage storage below), and accessible cabins (sleeps 1-2), which include an en-suite bathroom with a seated shower).
Inside a DFDS economy cabin. (Image: DFDS)
DFDS offers two ticket options when you book:
Economy, which lets you change to another ferry within four hours of your scheduled departure time or amend your booking for a fee.
Flexi, which lets you travel on another ferry within 72 hours of your scheduled departure time, amend bookings up to 48 hours before you travel free of charge or get a full refund on your purchase up to 48 hours before you travel.