In Jersey M Le Grand was met by the Bailiff, Sir Philip Bailhache, and members of the Commission Amicale at the Albert Pier terminal.
Speaking in French, both Sir Philip and M Le Grand referred to the desirability of closer links with Normandy and their pleasure that the new line would increase ties between Jersey and the French mainland.
Manche Iles Express has taken over from a Connex subsidiary following a series of technical and administrative problems which resulted in frequent cancellations last year.
There are two routes: Barneville-Carteret and Diélette to Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney; and Granville to Jersey and Sark.
It provides a daily service from April to September and a three-day-a-week service for the rest of the year.
Although the ships remain the same – the Victor Hugo and the Marin Marie – they have been fitted with new engines.
