DFDS has released images of the new vessels the company plans to build for the Jersey route, with the first boat due to start operating in 2028.
Speaking at a Chamber of Commerce event this week, vice-president and head of Channel and Baltics regions Filip Hermann introduced the ferries.
He said: “We are very, very excited about future plans here. It doesn’t happen tomorrow, but we have a good timeline for that.
“It was an important part of what Jersey wanted and needed.”
The ships are to replace the initial fleet brought in by DFDS: Tarifa Jet, Levante Jet and Stena Vinga, along with a dedicated freight ship.
The fast ferry (pictured top), due to serve the Jersey-St Malo route, is expected to be fully electric.
Mr Hermann said: “Because of the short distances, because the technology is there, it is an opportunity to electrify the transportation between Jersey and France.
“It’s something we will have to sit down and work out because, of course, it requires infrastructure in ports and so forth.
“But it is an exciting project, and one of the first projects for us to deep-dive into, and it’s a beautiful vessel.”
Timeline
DFDS have promised three new vessels for Jersey
- 2028: New high-speed craft serving the Jersey-St Malo route
- 2030: New freight vessel
- 2031: New ro-pax (a passenger ferry with roll-on, roll-off facilities for vehicles) vessel
The two planned ships are an opportunity to build vessels “that fit the needs of Jersey”, he added.
Details were still to be decided, which Mr Hermann said offered the chance to assess the Island’s needs, for example around on-board amenities.
Mr Hermann also said they were “committed” to reciprocating Condor’s offer for inter-island services.
Jersey route director Chris Parker added: “We’re continuing the discussions with both Guernsey and Jersey, and other stakeholders. We’ve got different options which we’re looking at. What we’re trying to do is give that connectivity without disrupting the connections to St Malo or the UK.
“It’s hugely important that we’re also ready in 16 days’ time. We need to focus on the core activity.”
He and Mr Hermann had meetings scheduled for Wednesday on the topic, he added.
