The operator is formulating a plan to reboot its passenger services when lockdown restrictions are eased.
Although freight operations have continued, all passenger crossings were suspended on 24 March, and will not resume until at least 22 May.
And new measures will be put in place to enable travellers to practise social-distancing, including capping the number of bookings per service and possibly allowing passengers to avoid the seating area.
In today’s Saturday Interview (see page 10), the firm’s chief executive, Paul Luxon, said: ‘We had no option but to stop passenger services when France closed its borders and the UK and Channel Island governments banned non-essential travel, which effectively closed borders.
‘But we are now planning a reintroduction of passenger services. We are monitoring the position of the relevant governments.
‘When we do restart, we will significantly reduce the number of passengers and cars to give people more adequate space,’ said Mr Luxon.
When asked if car passengers would be allowed to stay in their vehicles, he replied: ‘It is something we are exploring with the authorities which govern the operation of our high-speed craft. We are looking at this as an option for our shorter journeys.’
A number of travel firms have also announced measures to protect passengers when lockdowns are eased. Earlier this month easyJet, which operates flights between Jersey and several destinations including Gatwick, Manchester and Liverpool, said the middle seat would remain empty to enable passengers to practise social-distancing on flights.
Mr Luxon said that one advantage ferries had over air travel was that it was easier for passengers to maintain distance between each other.
‘In an airport, you are in an enclosed and busy space and you are moved through to various areas such as check-in and eventually through to duty-free and the gate and then into this cigar-shaped metal tube, and you are surrounded by people.
‘Ports are much more open and there is much more outside space and obviously the ferries are much bigger. The whole experience is different.’
Mr Luxon said that he expected lower passenger numbers this year compared to 2019, but that there was also the possibility that figures could be boosted by UK holidaymakers choosing a ‘staycation’ in Jersey and Guernsey, rather than a foreign trip.
