Ferry firm's freight sailing U-turn welcomed

A ferry company's U-turn on its freight sailings to and from Jersey has been welcomed by ministers and businesses.

In January, Danish ferry firm DFDS withdrew its Tuesday evening service until April but has announced it will reinstate the Stena Vinga Portsmouth-Jersey route on 17 February.

The firm said Saturday sailings would be withdrawn on 28 February and 7, 14, 21 March for passengers and freight, and booked customers would be transferred to the Friday.

Jersey Post welcomed the U-turn and said: "Mondays and Tuesdays are our busiest days, with nearly half of all weekly mail arriving." Minister for Sustainable Economic Development Kirsten Morel, said it showed DFDS's "commitment to Jersey".

"Letters and parcels remain an important service for many islanders and businesses, helping to keep Jersey connected."

Minister for Sustainable Economic Development Kirsten Morel, said the reinstatement showed DFDS's "commitment to Jersey and the seriousness with which they take their role in supplying the island".

In recent months, retailers and industry leaders have expressed concerns about DFDS's flat rate freight charging structure, disrupted deliveries and the addition of port dues to freight bills from January 2026.

A spokesperson for the Jersey Farmers' Union said its members were "happy with the freight service provided and the timely responses of both DFDS and government to all the issues raised".

They said additional freight sailings between Jersey and Guernsey would "help facilitate important fresh produce trade between the Channel Islands".

Morel said: "It's good to see DFDS adjust their plans when they've received critical feedback from key stakeholders."

The Jersey Chamber of Commerce confirmed it would hold a seat on the newly established Freight Forum, in which key stakeholders will focus on solutions, resilience and collaborative working across the freight and supply chain.

Its president, Lee Madden, said: "It gives business a direct voice in shaping the long-term direction of freight services and reflects the value of collaboration, engagement and looking ahead rather than back."

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