DFDS boss recognises 'challenging' first year

Bosses at DFDS say they are focused on improvements after a difficult start to its ferry contract in Jersey.

Saturday will mark the anniversary of the first sailings to and from the island by the Danish firm after the government awarded it a 20-year contract.

Since taking over, DFDS has received criticism from various groups and organisations about its performance including sailings being cancelled or changed at short notice and concerns over its freight service.

Chris Parker, route director for DFDS Jersey, said the company recognised the start of the contract had been "challenging", but progress had been made.

Parker said DFDS was focused on continuing to make improvements and provide islanders with a good service.

Parker said: "Reliability is vital for islanders and businesses, so this remains central to our plans as we enter our second year serving Jersey.

"We will continue building confidence through a dependable, consistent service."

DFDS said key actions for 2026 included refining schedules based on demand, improving customer communications ahead of sailings, closer collaboration with freight customers and a "significant increase" in St Malo day-trips.

It added it had also invested £1.1m into refurbishing public areas of its Levante Jet fast ferry.

The company said during its first year, it had operated more than 1,800 sailings and carried 181,248 passengers, with more than 130,000 bookings made in 2026 so far.

An interim report from the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel published on 5 March said a number of issues persisted across passenger and freight services operated by DFDS.

It said while the ferry firm was meeting the contractual requirements, many islanders had expected a "higher level of service" than what had been delivered.

The panel also called for an independent review of the flat-rate freight system which had been introduced.

The system, which forces every freight provider to pay the same per metre of space they take up, has been criticised by businesses, who said costs would have to be passed onto customers or cut from other areas.

Responding to the report, the Jersey Chamber of Commerce said it welcomed the findings and recommendations, especially the comments on the flat-rate freight charging.

It added it was looking forward to the government's response and "tangible action" being taken to address freight pricing impacts to ensure the ferry service supports the island's economy.

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