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Alderney will be served be a new year round ferry service, as Alderney Ferry Services reveals its new 24 metre long ferry.
The ‘Dart Fisher’ will be based in Alderney and is expected to arrive by the end of August.
The ferry is coded for 12 passengers, but it's understood that a dispensation could be made to allow it to carry up to 36.
It comes as the island continues to struggle with its travel links and the future extension of its runway grows increasingly unclear.
“A lot of people tell us that they’re looking to leave the island because they feel stranded,” explained the Company Director, Charlie Smith.
“They have lost all faith and we want to bring back some belief in the island.”
The ‘Dart Fisher’ will operate a daily route between Guernsey and Alderney, with additional links to Cherbourg, a route Ms Smith says has always been very successful.
Alderney Ferry Services won the contract to run a seasonal, subsidised ferry service between Alderney and Guernsey last year. The investment in the Dart Fisher is another step towards bolstering the island’s links to the outside world.
"We always knew this would be a big gamble for us but we know what we are doing will change our island forever. This is a very exciting new chapter for our company and for our island,” said Ms Smith.
She said the investment wouldn’t have been possible with the support of lots of people and organisations.
“Thank you to Cherry Godfrey for believing in our company, Andy at Northern Marine Services for all your work and advice, Dillan for helping us get her ready, our skippers and crew for helping us last minute, to the UK bunch Aaron and Wayne for your guidance and assistance, then finally Jez and Tim for assisting us getting her moving South towards her new home.”
Alderney Ferry Services tried to buy the ship last year, but the owner didn’t want to sell at the time. They revisited this year and have been successful in securing the vessel.
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