DFDS remains under pressure to improve its Jersey operations – with the Chief Minister stating that the Danish shipping firm’s performance in some areas “has not consistently met the standards expected by ferry users”.
Responding to a recent written question from St Brelade Deputy Montfort Tadier, who chairs the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel, Deputy Lyndon Farnham said that feedback from local organisations and the public “indicates that there are ongoing areas of dissatisfaction with aspects of the service provided by DFDS”.
His response was published around the same time that the ferry operator was providing updates on weather-related disruption to its schedule earlier this week, after high winds temporarily prevented its freight and passenger vessel Stena Vinga from leaving Falmouth following its annual dry dock programme.
Stena Vinga was due to resume its normal schedule yesterday evening.
DFDS also stated that: “To support freight deliveries into the Island, the Côte d’Albâtre will arrive in Portsmouth [Thursday] evening to operate an additional service to Jersey.
“The Levante Jet is also providing a passenger sailing from Poole to Jersey at lunchtime today, as DFDS works to help passengers reach their destinations with minimal delays.”
The statement continued: “DFDS teams are updating customer channels and proactively contacting passengers with the latest sailing information.
“Customers affected by this week’s disruption who wish to rebook are encouraged to contact the customer services team. DFDS thanks customers for their patience and will continue to provide updates as services return to normal following the weather disruption.”
It marked the latest challenge faced by DFDS’s Jersey operations since the company started sailing between the island, the UK and France in March 2025.
Deputy Tadier asked Deputy Farnham whether the current service “meets the standards expected”.
The Chief Minister answered: “Feedback from local organisations and from members of the travelling public indicates that there are ongoing areas of dissatisfaction with aspects of the service provided by DFDS.
“While services are operating, it is clear that performance in some areas has not consistently met the standards expected by ferry users.”
Deputy Farnham also said that also said that the government had “made clear” to the ferry operator that “improvements are required in a number of areas”, including concerns over pricing, freight handling processes, sailing times and timetables.
“Conversations between the government and DFDS, which underpin continuous improvements, are ongoing,” he added.
