Jersey and Guernsey explore new inter-island ferry and air links

The government is exploring new options to improve ferry and air connectivity between Jersey and Guernsey. Economic Development Minister Gerald Voisin stated that discussions with Guernsey officials have been positive, with both islands aligned on the need to work with ferry operators to enhance passenger and freight links.

Potential solutions include services from the islands’ primary ferry companies or involvement from the wider maritime industry. The minister expressed interest in innovative solutions that combine passenger services with sufficient vehicle capacity. While the government has not ruled out providing financial support to establish or maintain services, it emphasized that any assistance must represent value for taxpayers.

The search for solutions follows tensions regarding inter-island travel after Guernsey withdrew from a joint ferry tender process, leading both islands to sign contracts with separate operators. A previous proposal by DFDS involving the Stena Vinga vessel was deemed unacceptable by Guernsey’s Economic Development Minister, Sasha Kazantzeva-Miller, due to arrival times conflicting with port closures.