Ferry firms working together 'to improve links'

A group of three ferry operators have said they are working together to "improve sea travel" between Guernsey and Jersey in 2026.

Brittany Ferries, Manche-Iles Express and Islands Unlimited said they would be focusing on ensuring convenient sailing times for inter-island events and "supporting the community's ability to connect".

The States of Guernsey said it would assist the working group to ensure services worked effectively together to best serve the community and to provide "greater connectivity for residents and visitors".

The group also agreed to explore cross-ticketing solutions to make the travelling process "as simple as possible" for sea passengers.

Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, president of the Committee for Economic Development, said inter-island travel was an "important part of island life".

"It has been excellent to see the positive response from the three operators we are working with, who showed immediate keenness to work together and develop a plan which will provide optimal sailing times to the public, and ensure events taking place between the islands are properly catered for," he said.

Chad Murray, chief executive of Islands Unlimited, said it was pleased to be "working collaboratively" with other operators and the States of Guernsey.

He said: "Well-timed, coordinated sailings are essential for clubs, performers, supporters and visitors travelling between the islands and this joint approach allows services to better align with the islands' events calendars while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

"We look forward to continuing this partnership into 2026 and helping strengthen the cultural, sporting and tourism links between Guernsey and Jersey."

Olivier Normand, sales and marketing director for Manche-Iles Express, said it was "delighted to have contributed in 2025 to connectivity between the islands, but also from France" and that it would do its "best to meet the local and tourist demand".

Group director of sales and marketing for Brittany Ferries Paul Acheson said it was looking for ways to "enhance services" by "improving inter-island connections and onward travel from the UK and France".

Ferry operator DFDS, which took over routes to and from Jersey in March, has been approached for comment.

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