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Reliability, consistency, and convenient scheduling are "key priorities" says DFDS as the firm reiterates its intention to tender for Channel Island ferry services.
The ferry firm said there was a "positive dialogue" during two public meetings in the Channel Islands last month and it is now moving forward with its bid.
A senior management team from DFDS was in both Guernsey and Jersey discussing what our "needs and wishes" are, as it prepares to bid for the contract to operate freight and passenger services between the islands, the UK, and France.
As well as members of the public at the meetings, DFDS also met with representatives from local businesses, sports clubs, and other groups while they were in the islands.
In a post-event debrief, the ferry firm has said that it's clear that "reliability and scheduling were among the key themes raised", and that "aligns with DFDS’ approach".
Pictured: DFDS VP Filip Werne Hermann at last month's meeting in Guernsey.
Reflecting on last week’s meetings, Filip Hermann, VP BU Channel & Baltics said the two meetings were very useful for DFDS as they move ahead with planning their bid.
“We would like to thank all the islanders for their hospitality and for welcoming us," he said.
"We learned a lot and received very useful feedback - and got an even better understanding of the needs of the people and businesses of Jersey and Guernsey.
"Building on our experience from other routes, we are confident that we can provide safe, reliable, and efficient ferry services to the Channel Islands, and we look forward to coming back to the Islands when the tender process is underway.”
Pictured: The DFDS ship – the Finlandia Seaways – underwent berthing trials earlier this year (picture taken in Jersey).
The governments of Guernsey and Jersey announced an open tender process for the island’s passenger and ferry links earlier this year. A service that has in recent years been provided by Condor.
DFDS (Det Forenede Dampsklbs-Selskab) expressed its initial interest very quickly.
DFDS was founded in the 1800s and operates 25 freight and passenger routes around the world.
It has been operating routes in the English Channel for decades, between destinations such as Dover and Dunkirk.
Pictured top: File image of a DFDS ro-ro cargo ferry.
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