The vessel, which is being used by the Jersey-based Normandy Trading company, can ship up to 85 tons of goods a time between St Helier and Granville.

The route is being operated by Islanders Chris Le Masurier, Peter Crafter and Deputy Steve Luce and is the third vessel they have used to transport freight between the Island and France.

Mr Crafter, head of operations for the company, said that the landing craft, called Normandy Trader, would help to strengthen links between Jersey and France.