The Government of Jersey has appointed DFDS as their preferred bidder to operate the Island’s UK and French passenger and freight services from 28 March 2025.
For Jersey, this is expected to mean:
- Greater frequency of ferries to the UK and France in peak periods
- Faster ferries to the UK
- Three new ferries within the next six years
- Two dedicated high speed ferries for the summer
The Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, Deputy Kirsten 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 service that is reliable and resilient for Islanders, visitors and businesses.”
For freight users, the agreement will mean:
- A flat rate card (rather than volume-based pricing), to provide greater certainty and improve freight competitiveness
- More regular freight sailings to France / UK at peak times
The Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Farnham, said:
“This decision has been made after very careful consideration and will secure the best possible ferry service for Jersey long into the future.”
The announcement marks the end of a controversial saga that began earlier this year with the launch of a pan-island selection process, which collapsed in October when Guernsey revealed that it had decided to appoint Brittany Ferries as its preferred bidder.
