DFDS was forced into a “very ambitious” three-month timescale to mobilise its Jersey fleet due to the breakdown of the joint tender process between Jersey and Guernsey, Condor’s refusal to extend its contract and subsequent legal action by losing bidder Brittany Ferries, according to the Economic Development Minister.
Deputy Kirsten Morel praised the way the Danish shipping firm had dealt with teething issues as “impressive” and highlighted what he described as the ferry operator’s “excellent” customer service, in a letter responding to a Scrutiny panel.
Technical issues with one of DFDS’ fast ferries, Tarifa Jet, led to disruption to services and the cancellation of some sailings.
In a letter to a Scrutiny panel, Deputy Morel explained that Tarifa Jet’s delayed start was the result of a decision by DFDS to “re-flag” the vessel on the United Kingdom’s shipping register.
He continued: “The associated flag state inspection was delayed whilst work was undertaken by DFDS on the vessel loading ramp to accommodate heavier vehicles used by Jersey exporters.
“The flag state inspection could only be conducted upon conclusion of the ramp modifications and that inspection left some issues for remediation.
“The combined effect led to a delay in securing Tarifa Jet into scheduled service.”
Despite the delay, Deputy Morel said he welcomed the decision, noting that – by registering the vessel under the UK Red Ensign – DFDS were “committing” to their full compliance with UK employment law and “high standards” for crew working conditions.
Responding to the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel’s question on whether the Danish shipping firm had been given “sufficient time” to prepare its Jersey operations, Deputy Morel highlighted that Condor had rejected an offer to extend its contract by seven months following the collapse of the initial joint-tender between Jersey and Guernsey.
He argued that the extension “would have provided all parties with additional time to conduct a second tender process” and for the successful bidder to enter the new agreement in the fourth quarter of this year.
Deputy Morel also said that the legal action brought by Brittany Ferries, after the subsequent Jersey-only tender resulted in the selection of DFDS “further delayed the signing of the new concession agreement” until after the proceedings had concluded.
“DFDS therefore mobilised its services within three months of the concession agreement being signed,” he added.
“The pre-commencement works included the acquisition of vessels, re-flagging (and in some cases refurbishing) of vessels, scheduling, creation of a new booking portal, acquisition of relevant permits from port authorities and the hiring of staff – many of whom were previously employed by Condor Ferries and so could not commence their DFDS roles until 28 March 2025.”
Deputy Morel described this as a “very ambitious timescale” to implement the service, later adding that “new and complex partnerships can take time to embed”.
“I am impressed by the way DFDS has responded to the issues they faced and am confident that once the operator has had time to fully mobilise the service, they will continue to offer excellent customer service as has been shown during these first weeks of service,” he said.
