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The troubled quest to decide the future of Jersey's freight and passenger ferry services has finally come to a conclusion – with the island's Ministers announcing that DFDS has won the contract.
In a statement issued yesterday evening, Jersey's Economic Development Minister said that the Danish shipping company is the "strongest strategic partner for Jersey".
Deputy Kirsten Morel said he had taken the decision with the full support of the island's Council of Ministers.
He continued: “We have run a robust procurement process that has been independently moderated, and the results show DFDS to be the strongest strategic partner for Jersey.
“A partnership with DFDS will deliver new investment including new highspeed vessels, more sailings in peak periods and a service that is reliable and resilient for Islanders, visitors and businesses.”
Jersey's Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham added: “This decision has been made after very careful consideration and will secure the best possible ferry service for Jersey long into the future.”
Subject to the completion of contract negotiations, the 2025 timetable will be published by the end of next week which will allow passengers to begin booking for next year.
The Government said that, for Jersey passengers, the DFDS deal is expected to mean:
For freight users the agreement will mean a flat-rate card and more regular freight sailings to France and the UK at peak times, according to the Government.
DFDS BU Channel and Baltics vice-president Filip Werne Hermann said the company is "thrilled" to have been selected as preferred bidder tender for the ferry service to Jersey.
"This opportunity allows us to bring our commitment to safety, reliability, and exceptional customer service to both residents and visitors of Jersey," he added.
"We understand that a reliable ferry service is vital for Jersey, for the economy, and for providing essential supplies and access to medical services, and we look forward to serving the local communities on Jersey for many years to come.”
The announcement marks the end of a controversial saga that began earlier this year with the launch of a pan-island selection process.
That collapsed in October when Guernsey put its faith in Condor Ferries, now owned by Brittany Ferries.
This led to the launch of the Jersey-only tender process, with Danish shipping giant DFDS also looking to secure the 15-year contract.
Pictured: Deputy Neil Inder.
Guernsey's contract negotiations with Brittany Ferries were understood to have concluded, with a contract due to be signed last week - however it has not yet been confirmed that that has happened.
Last month, in the States, Deputy Neil Inder gave more details about why Guernsey had gone for Brittany Ferries, while Jersey had not yet made a decision.
The Economic Development President said DFDS had wanted to be able to unilaterally change fares and timetables.
Further details about the tender process and Guernsey's decision making will be highlighted next week during a Scrutiny hearing.
Deputy Inder and others representing ED will appear before a Scrutiny panel, focused "primarily on the formal tender process for passenger and freight services which was undertaken jointly with Jersey and the subsequent decision made".
Pictured: DFDS carried out a berthing trial in St Peter Port earlier this year, using the 'Seven Sisters'.
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