HD Ferries had several problems during its first week

Most of the fast ferry services due to be run by Condor have also been cancelled or delayed.

Passengers booked on services should contact the company they were hoping to sail with.

Meanwhile, Jersey HD passengers whose trips are delayed can cancel and get a full refund under a service agreement between the company and the States.

Passenger protection

Under the agreement with HD Ferries, people who are delayed by weather or technical problems for more than four hours can claim their fares back.

Deputy Alan Maclean, assistant minister responsible for sea travel, said it would give more protection to passengers.

Politicians will have a say in the schedules, fares and type of boat used by the new ferry operator from Jersey to St Malo.

Any plans to reduce sailings each year will need to be approved by the minister, and the company will need agreement from ministers to change its fares.

The agreement is for one year until 14 March 2008.

Voyage cancellations

Some of ministers' influence under the agreement also applies to Condor Ferries as well.

HD Ferries encountered several problems during its first week of services.

The company's maiden voyage last Thursday was delayed after engine failures. On Friday the firm had to cancel the Jersey and Guernsey crossing to St Malo due to "operational reasons".

Sunday's crossing from Guernsey was cancelled because of weather problems.