PORTS authorities in Jersey and Guernsey say they are “working closely” together to support the launch of a new inter-island ferry service after its planned debut was postponed.
New operator, Islands Unlimited, had hoped to launch its daily service yesterday using the San Pawl – a 316-seat catamaran brought over from Malta – but adverse weather earlier this week held back crucial berthing trials in St Helier.
In a statement, Ports of Jersey said: “We’re working closely with our counterparts in Guernsey and the operator to support the launch of this new inter-island service.
“Establishing a new operation of this kind involves a number of steps, and we look forward to the service commencing next week.”
Passengers booked to travel on Friday were told late Wednesday that sailings had been cancelled. Islands Unlimited initially said the delay was due to “operational readiness” issues.
“Regrettably, due to the weather earlier this week, we have only been able to trial the ship in Jersey today and had hoped that all of our operational preparations would have been completed in time for tomorrow. Unfortunately, this is not the case and we have to delay our commencement date,” the operator said in a social media update.
The company said affected passengers were contacted and offered refunds.
“We apologise wholeheartedly for the inconvenience this will cause our valued customers,” a spokesperson added.
The ferry is now expected to begin service on Thursday 5 June.
It comes as inter-island transport remains under scrutiny.
DFDS has yet to publish details of its summer sailings, and Condor is currently running one crossing per week between the islands under its revised schedule.
