PASSENGERS will be able to book their spot on a new inter-island foot passenger ferry from tomorrow.
Islands Unlimited announced last month that it was planning to run daily crossings between Jersey and Guernsey, with the service expected to begin from Friday 30 May.
The company recently said it was in the “final stages” of setting up its online booking system, which will come online tomorrow.
Islands Unlimited managing director Chad Murray, who is Guernsey’s former Harbourmaster, said the firm was “delighted” with levels of inquiry in the service, which he said “shows really promising uptake for this coming season”. A standard adult return fare will cost about £67.
Concerns have been raised about the potential lack of inter-island connectivity after incumbent operator Condor Ferries stops running Channel Islands routes at the end of this month.
Following the recent ferry tender process, Jersey and Guernsey now have separate providers, DFDS and Condor parent company Brittany Ferries respectively, who will have to work together on their own inter-island plans.
Brittany Ferries has announced one crossing between the islands a week on a Wednesday, while DFDS is yet to announce any inter-island sailings.
Jean-Marc Roué, president of Brittany Ferries’ governance board, said in a recent interview that his company would work with Manche Iles Express and DFDS on an inter-island service “when things have calmed down”.
This would be split “in an equitable fashion”, he said.
Mr Murray said: “We would like to thank everyone for their inquiries and patience while we go through the final stages of testing and confirming arrangements with stakeholders in both islands.”
Islands Unlimited initially considered other routes, but had to scale back its services for 2025, choosing to focus solely on Jersey and Guernsey.
However, Mr Murray confirmed they were keen to explore partnerships to help travellers reach Alderney and Sark in the future.
Bookings will be able to be made from noon tomorrow directly through Islands Unlimited’s website, islands-unlimited.com.
