DFDS appointed ferry operator for Jersey

FerryDFDS and the government of Jersey have signed a contract for Jersey’s ferry services. Over the next 20 years, DFDS will provide freight and passenger services connecting Jersey of the Channel Islands to the UK and France beginning 28 March 2025. The new service will include routes from Jersey to Poole and Portsmouth in the UK, and Saint-Malo in France. DFDS committed to increase the frequency of ferries to address high demand in peak periods, introducing high-speed ferries to the UK and investing in three new vessels by 2032.

"We are excited to embark on this journey with Jersey and the local community. The lifeline ferry service is a vital link for the island, and we are fully committed to delivering reliability and an enhanced travel and transport experience for islanders, businesses and visitors. We look forward to building a strong partnership with Jersey and serving the community,” says Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS.

The contract will run for 20 years beginning from 28 March 2025

Supporting tourism and hospitality in the region

DFDS’ Jersey fleet will comprise of one ro-pax vessel, two high-speed crafts, and a dedicated freight vessel to meet the diverse needs of the island, and support tourism and the hospitality sector in Jersey as well as in France and the UK with frequent sailings.

“Tourism and hospitality are important parts of the local economy. We will support connectivity with short travel time and meet demand with the right frequency of ferries, and providing freight capacity, enabling islanders to travel off-island and attracting more visitors to Jersey, and thereby support tourism in the region,” says Filip Hermann, VP BU Channel & Baltics at DFDS.

A total of four ferries will be deployed to service three routes:

Jersey-Portsmouth
Jersey-Poole
Jersey-St. Malo

For the last three quarters of 2025, the total number of passengers on the routes are expected to amount to around 400k of which more than half are related to tourism. The majority of freight volumes (mainly unaccompanied trailers) are transported between Portsmouth and Jersey. For the last three quarters of 2025, freight volumes are expected to amount to around 450k lane metres.

For the last three quarters of 2025, the Jersey ferry operation is expected to generate revenue of around DKK 450m. The operation is expected to be financially accretive in 2025 and in line with DFDS’ return requirements over the concession period.

Earlier report (DFDS charters STENA VINGA for its upcoming Jersey service): https://www.shippax.com/en/news/dfds-charters-stena-vinga-for-its-upcoming-jersey-service.aspx

Jan 02 2025