FAST FERRY links between Jersey and France should be available within a maximum of two weeks, the Chief Minister has said.
Deputy Lyndon Farnham was asked about the cancellation of the St Helier to St Malo service last Friday, the first day of the new contract provided by Danish company DFDS.
The Chief Minister said he had been briefed alongside Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel about the reasons for the cancellation of the service run by vessel Tarifa Jet.
“There is a ramp intended for use when taking freight to and from France which required an upgrade,” he said. “This work needs to be signed off by the [UK] Maritime and Coastguard Agency, with some conditions.
“I can’t say exactly when this boat will be back in service, but would hope this would be within a week, or two weeks at the very most.”
Deputy Farnham admitted the cancellation had been unfortunate, but said the company had contingency arrangements in place and had his full confidence.
“I expect the Island will have a long and productive relationship with DFDS,” he added.
In a statement provided to the JEP, a spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “The vessel is currently undergoing surveys for the issue of a passenger certificate.”
