![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Stena-arriving.jpg\")
Pictured: DFDS freight and passenger ferry Stena Vinga.<\/p>\nThe Chamber of Commerce has raised concerns over fuel-related freight cost adjustments being implemented by DFDS \u2013 arguing that there are \u201clegitimate questions\u201d around how the increases are being calculated.<\/p>\n
The organisation said that many of its members were worried about the methodology being used to work out \u2018Bunker Adjustment Factor\u2019 rises, which refers to additional freight charges imposed to reflect marine fuel price fluctuations.<\/p>\n
It comes not long after the Danish ferry firm\u2019s Jersey route director Chris Parker revealed that the operator was speaking to its freight customers about how increased costs might need to be passed on in the wake of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.<\/p>\n
Freight costs do not stop at the port. Any increase feeds directly through to retail pricing, construction costs, hospitality supply chains and the overall cost of living in Jersey <\/p>\n
Chamber of Commerce chief executive murray Norton<\/p>\n
The conflict has choked the passage of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, with the International Energy Agency warning earlier this year that \u201cthe loss of supply is having significant impacts in global markets\u201d.<\/p>\n
Chamber chief executive Murray Norton told Express that the organisation \u201cremains concerned at the continued upward pressure on freight costs\u201d and \u201cthe wider impact this ultimately has on islanders through higher prices across the supply chain\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cLegitimate questions\u201d around cost increase calculations<\/p>\n
Mr Norton continued: \u201cWhile we recognise the need for commercially sustainable ferry operations and understand the rationale behind fixed passenger pricing and fuel hedging arrangements, there remain legitimate questions around how Bunker Adjustment Factor increases are being calculated and allocated.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf particular concern to many Chamber members is that the current BAF methodology is calculated across the total fuel consumption of four vessels operating within the Jersey network, despite the fact that only two vessels are predominantly freight vessels and approximately 97% of all freight is carried on those two vessels.\u201d<\/p>\n
He explained that Chamber members were therefore questioning whether freight customers were, \u201cin practice\u201d, absorbing fuel-related operating costs associated with vessels primarily supporting the passenger market.<\/p>\n
Pictured: DFDS freight and passenger ferry Stena Vinga.<\/p>\n
Mr Norton contended that \u201cat a time when businesses and consumers are already under significant inflationary pressure, there is a strong expectation from industry that every effort is made to ensure freight is not carrying a disproportionate share of wider network operating costs\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis matters because freight costs do not stop at the port. Any increase feeds directly through to retail pricing, construction costs, hospitality supply chains and the overall cost of living in Jersey,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cBusinesses remain deeply concerned that continued upward pressure on freight will further compound inflationary pressures across the island economy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHopeful that greater clarity can now be achieved\u201d<\/p>\n
However, Mr Norton also said that Chamber welcomed \u201cthe continued engagement with government and DFDS\u201d and would continue representing the concerns of members \u201cwhilst seeking greater transparency around the methodology and practical impact of BAF calculations on Jersey\u2019s economy and consumers\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cWith further briefings planned for Chamber members, we are hopeful that greater clarity can now be achieved.\u201d<\/p>\n
In line with standard international maritime practice, DFDS operates a Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) mechanism to provide transparency around exceptional fuel cost increases<\/p>\n
DFDS statement<\/p>\n
Asked for comment by Express, DFDS stated that it \u201crecognised the concerns raised by the Chamber of Commerce regarding freight costs\u201d and \u201cwelcomed further discussions with both industry and the Government of Jersey\u201d.<\/p>\n
The company cited recent increases in fuel prices driven by \u201congoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East\u201d, resulting in \u201csignificant volatility in international energy markets\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn line with standard international maritime practice, DFDS operates a Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) mechanism to provide transparency around exceptional fuel cost increases,\u201d the statement continued.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe surcharge is reviewed monthly against the average cost of marine gas oil in Rotterdam.\u201d<\/p>\n
DFDS said that BAF is not applied to passenger fares, partly because passenger tickets are often purchased months in advance, and pricing is governed through the ferry concession agreement.<\/p>\n
The company also noted that the June BAF surcharge would be around 10% lower than the May figure following a slight reduction in fuel prices during the latest monthly review period.<\/p>\n
DFDS added that it remained \u201ccommitted to ongoing engagement with government, Chamber of Commerce and the wider freight supply chain\u201d regarding pricing, operations and connectivity for the island.<\/p>\n
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