PASSENGER numbers on DFDS services to and from the Island were up 20% in May compared to the same month last year – with the ferry operator citing “strong demand” across its three Jersey routes heading into the summer season.
The Danish shipping firm noted that the strongest growth was seen on the St Malo route, where passenger numbers increased by 26%.
Sailings to Poole recorded an 11% increase in passengers, while Portsmouth saw growth of 4%.
The figures mark an improved position for DFDS against the backdrop of a challenging start to its Jersey operations in 2025, which former chief executive Torben Carlsen described as “harder than expected”.
The company has also said that the number of passengers booked to travel between June and September is currently running 25% ahead of the same point last year.
DFDS Jersey route director Chris Parker said: “It has been encouraging to see strong demand across all our routes as we move into the summer season.”
Mr Parker continued: “We have worked hard to provide customers with greater choice and flexibility, particularly on our French services, and it is pleasing to see more islanders and visitors taking advantage of those opportunities.”
He added that forward bookings for the summer “remain very positive”.
“We look forward to welcoming more passengers on board over the coming months.”
In April, DFDS announced that it had agreed improved schedules with port authorities in St Malo, allowing up to six hours in France for day-trippers from Jersey while also providing more convenient timings for French visitors travelling to the Island.
The changes more than doubled the number of day-trip opportunities to St Malo available through the operator this summer compared to 2025.
