Since taking over, DFDS has received criticism from various groups and organisations about its performance including sailings being cancelled or changed<\/a> at short notice and concerns over its freight service<\/a>.<\/p>\n Chris Parker, route director for DFDS Jersey, said the company recognised the start of the contract had been “challenging”, but progress had been made.<\/p>\n Parker said DFDS was focused on continuing to make improvements and provide islanders with a good service.<\/p>\n Parker said: “Reliability is vital for islanders and businesses, so this remains central to our plans as we enter our second year serving Jersey.<\/p>\n “We will continue building confidence through a dependable, consistent service.”<\/p>\n DFDS said key actions for 2026 included refining schedules based on demand, improving customer communications ahead of sailings, closer collaboration with freight customers and a “significant increase” in St Malo day-trips.<\/p>\n It added it had also invested \u00a31.1m into refurbishing public areas of its Levante Jet fast ferry.<\/p>\n The company said during its first year, it had operated more than 1,800 sailings and carried 181,248 passengers, with more than 130,000 bookings made in 2026 so far.<\/p>\n The first DFDS sailings to and from Jersey started on 28 March 2025 [BBC]<\/p>\n An interim report<\/a> from the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel published on 5 March said a number of issues persisted across passenger and freight services operated by DFDS.<\/p>\n It said while the ferry firm was meeting the contractual requirements, many islanders had expected a “higher level of service” than what had been delivered.<\/p>\n The panel also called for an independent review of the flat-rate freight system which had been introduced.<\/p>\n The system, which forces every freight provider to pay the same per metre of space they take up, has been criticised by businesses<\/a>, who said costs would have to be passed onto customers or cut from other areas.<\/p>\n Responding to the report, the Jersey Chamber of Commerce said it welcomed the findings and recommendations, especially the comments on the flat-rate freight charging.<\/p>\n It added it was looking forward to the government’s response and “tangible action” being taken to address freight pricing impacts to ensure the ferry service supports the island’s economy.<\/p>\n Follow BBC Jersey on X<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n More on this storyRelated internet links![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/b1571b42e9342dd942570369a277d89a.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n