Jersey’s new ferry operator, DFDS, has unveiled the first details of its timetable for services between the island and the UK, set to begin in March.
However, the company has yet to release information about its other routes, prompting frustration from local businesses and tourism officials concerned about the delay’s impact on the economy.
DFDS, which is taking over ferry services from Condor Ferries, has confirmed that its main route to the UK will commence on 3 March, with fast ferries following on 16 April, just ahead of the Easter period.
Passengers will be able to make bookings from 31 January, but further details about services to St Malo in France are expected next week.
Chris Parker, DFDS’ route director for Jersey, acknowledged the delays and assured the public that the company is aware of the anticipation among island residents.
“We are conscious islanders are waiting for more information and, as such, we wanted to be transparent about the timetables so travellers can start planning their journeys,” he said.
Despite the partial timetable release, local business representatives have voiced concerns over the slower rollout of the full schedule.
Tim Crowley, chair of the Jersey Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Economy Committee, expressed dissatisfaction with the delays, describing the situation as “frustrating” for both customers and the island’s tourism industry.
“It would be fair to say that waiting until 31 January is not an ideal situation for customers and, crucially, for the visitor economy,” Crowley stated.
He also described the delay as “costly to the industry,” highlighting that it prevents tourism businesses from fully preparing for the busy travel season.
However, Crowley acknowledged that DFDS is “working hard to deliver a robust booking platform” to accommodate the demand.
The delay in the release of full timetable details has left many in the tourism sector uncertain about planning for the peak summer months.
The ferry services are a crucial part of Jersey’s tourism infrastructure, with many visitors relying on the sea link to travel to and from the island.
Without a clear understanding of when the additional routes will be available, businesses are unable to finalize their marketing campaigns or coordinate with customers for early summer bookings.
DFDS has emphasized that the new service schedule is designed to ensure “reliable and frequent” ferries, with the flexibility to increase sailings if there is demand.
According to Parker, the company intends to “respond to feedback from passengers” as it moves forward with the new service.
The operator’s pledge to be responsive to passenger needs is seen as an important step in ensuring the success of the service, despite the initial setbacks in timetable availability.
While the first ferry services will begin in early March, the summer season is expected to be a critical test for DFDS as it seeks to establish its reputation with both residents and tourists.
The company has reiterated its commitment to offering a seamless travel experience but will need to address ongoing concerns about the timetable delays in order to fully capitalize on the island’s peak tourism periods.
As the start date approaches, DFDS remains under pressure to finalize and release the full schedule, especially given the vital role the ferry services play in Jersey’s economy.
For now, local businesses and islanders will have to wait for the next round of updates as they prepare for the new ferry service to launch.
