A CHANNEL Island shipping firm is seeking to expand its passenger and freight capabilities amid concerns that Jersey and Guernsey’s new ferry contracts could result in a “shortfall” in inter-island sailings.
Iris Freight, which currently operates an inter-island service 364 days a year with its vessel Channel Chieftain V, said it was looking at ways to increase its own capacity on the route – potentially through the purchase of a bigger boat.
The firm said it was speaking to key stakeholders in the wake of the recent announcement regarding the government’s ferry tender.
It was revealed on Tuesday evening that Danish shipping giant DFDS had won the contract to operate the Island’s UK and French passenger and freight ferry services from 28 March next year.
Guernsey, meanwhile, has awarded its contract to Brittany Ferries, Condor’s parent company.
Despite the difference in operators, Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham has stated that both islands – and both companies – are “committed to providing good inter-island services”.
But in a statement, Iris Freight claimed the move “is expected to result in a considerable reduction in sailings” between Jersey and Guernsey.
“We are currently in discussions with our key stakeholders with a view to increasing tonnage to meet the expected rise in demand,” said Iris Freight director Andrew Dann.
“This may mean purchasing or leasing a larger vessel for the route.”
Established ports
– It has been confirmed that DFDS’s offering will include sailings to Poole, Portsmouth and St Malo. The Danish shipping giant has said that details regarding its plans for services, schedule and vessels will be provided within the next two weeks.
Paper boat
– Channel Chieftain V carries the national newspapers and other freight from Jersey to Guernsey every day except Christmas Day.
