Technical issues delay fast ferry launch to St Malo

Ferry operator DFDS said its fast ferry, the Tarifa Jet, will not enter service until next week.

The ferry was due to start taking passengers to St Malo last Friday when the Danish firm took over Jersey's sailings but journeys were cancelled due to technical issues.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the vessel was undergoing surveys for the issue of a passenger certificate.

Chris Parker, DFDS route director for Jersey, said: "I'm sorry that we have to make these changes to the schedule" and added an alternative ferry would be in operation.

DFDS took over the service in March from previous operator Condor Ferries, which ran the service for 60 years.

The Tarifa Jet has been undergoing a refit in Portland to prepare for the new service.

DFDS said the Stena Vinga ferry would operate the route to France from Thursday to Monday, with up to two rotations daily to accommodate all passengers.

The company said customers with existing bookings would be contacted with details of the changes to the schedule and alternative options.

Services between Jersey and Portsmouth would be operated on a replacement vessel, with no changes to the schedule.

DFDS apologised for the inconvenience to passengers at the start of the Easter holidays.

Mr Parker said: "As we eagerly await the Tarifa Jet to come into service, we want to make sure that passengers are able to travel with as little disruption as possible.

"I'm sorry that we have to make these changes to the schedule for this weekend and I would like to thank islanders for their continued patience with us."

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