DANISH firm DFDS’ first sailings between Jersey and France, which were due to take place on Friday, have been cancelled.
Tarifa Jet – the new fast ferry meant to run the route – has been undergoing a refit in the UK and “due to technical issues” extra work is required, according to DFDS.
It is estimated that around 1,000 passengers have been impacted.
Affected passengers have been contacted by DFDS with a revised schedule running over the weekend.
Freight and passenger ship Stena Vinga will operate the St Malo route on Saturday and Sunday while Tarifa Jet remains in refit.
The change to schedules also means Stena Vinga will arrive in Jersey later than previously expected on Friday. The vessel is now due in at 6pm.
Jersey route director Chris Parker said: “I am sorry that we have had to make these changes at short notice as I know that many people were looking forward to experiencing DFDS’ services for the first time, and that Islanders have plans to get away for longer breaks.
“We are working hard to keep the interference to a minimum and will notify passengers of the alternative arrangements as soon as possible.”
In a statement, DFDS added: “We apologise for the disruption this will cause to our customers traveling with us this weekend. All affected customers will receive a full refund and a voucher for a free return crossing in future and will also be able to move their bookings to alternative departures free of charge.”
In an update issued on Friday morning, the new operator said its updated sailing schedule was now available online.
Mr Parker added: “Obviously, this was not the start we had hoped for, but we will do our very best to minimize disruptions. We are contacting all affected passengers as soon as possible to find alternative arrangements.”
