BAD weather that left a DFDS passenger and freight ship stuck in the UK has resulted in a number of changes to the Danish ferry firm’s sailing schedule.
The Portsmouth-Jersey sailing scheduled for this morning was cancelled, with DFDS stating yesterday afternoon that “options are currently being reviewed for a potential Portsmouth-Jersey departure” this evening.
As an alternative, an additional Poole-Jersey sailing with the Levante Jet fast ferry was due to depart around noon today.
“Passengers booked on the cancelled Portsmouth service may transfer to this sailing free of charge by contacting DFDS,” the statement continued.
“The next available sailing from Jersey to Portsmouth is scheduled for Friday morning.”
The changes come after Stena Vinga completed its scheduled annual dry dock programme in Falmouth.
However, DFDS explained that “due to current and forecast high winds, Falmouth Port authorities have advised that conditions remain unsafe for the vessel to depart”.
“Weather conditions are expected to improve into Thursday, although some disruption could continue into Friday,” the statement noted, adding that DFDS “is working closely with Falmouth Port authorities to monitor the situation and will provide passengers with regular updates as further information becomes available”.
There are no changes to St Malo services, which will continue to operate as scheduled over the coming days.
Passengers affected by cancellations are being contacted directly and offered alternative travel arrangements.
DFDS has also said that, due to this week’s “exceptional circumstances” causing cancellations, it is also offering affected passengers a refund of their affected travel leg, a complimentary future booking, and inviting customers to make contact if they have incurred accommodation costs.
The disruption also resulted in a performance by dance-circus company Motionhouse – that had been scheduled to take place tonight at the Opera House – being cancelled, though as two performances were still due to go ahead on Friday.
