DFDS Pledges New Vessels and Service Upgrades for Jersey

DFDS, the ferry provider selected to operate services to Jersey, has committed to introducing three new vessels within the next six years. Filip Werne Hermann, Head of Channel and Baltics at DFDS, stated his expectation of immediate enhancements to the service. The Government of Jersey announced on Tuesday its decision to appoint DFDS for the operation of passenger and freight services, opting for DFDS over Brittany Ferries, the company selected by Guernsey. Mr. Hermann indicated that the two ferry companies would “have to work together and we’ll happily do so, not least about the inter-island sailings.” He further commented, “We had of course hoped for a joint service but now we focus on Jersey and we believe it’s certainly viable.” According to Mr. Hermann, DFDS intends to invest in three new vessels over a six-year period, replacing the current fleet sequentially. He elaborated, stating, “During the first period, the fleet will be two high-speed craft, one for the north and one for the south, and then a dedicated freight vessel and a ropax vessel.” He concluded by adding, “It will be a quite similar, if not better, fleet.” Mr. Hermann mentioned that a comprehensive financial plan was included in the tender documents and affirmed that DFDS possesses a “strong financial profile.” He also clarified that Jersey’s government would not provide any funds to the company. Furthermore, he addressed worries regarding potential price increases for goods, asserting, “we might even be able to better design the supply chains to Jersey now that we can focus on one island and that’s one of the first things we’ll do.” While stating it was premature to outline specific sailing details, Mr. Hermann guaranteed an “attractive schedule” attributed to the company’s frequent, high-speed vessels. He added that his team is “working day and night” to prepare the booking portal for travellers to reserve crossings.