'Prime' ferry departure slot secured, firm says

A ferry operator has confirmed an early morning departure slot from St Malo in France for 2026.

DFDS Ferries said it had secured the "much sought-after" 07:45 (06:45 GMT) slot to Jersey for its fast craft services.

Chris Parker, DFDS route director, said it was a "prime and competitive slot", and added "this is positive news not only for DFDS, but for Jersey, St Malo and the wider region".

The States of Guernsey said discussions for services from St Malo to Guernsey, Poole, and Portsmouth were still ongoing.

Visit Jersey chief executive, Tricia Warwick, said it was an "excellent outcome" for the island's connectivity.

"The new timetable also supports our efforts to grow inbound tourism from Brittany and beyond, which is a key priority for 2026," she added.

"We look forward to working with DFDS and Ports of Jersey to promote the route and to keep Jersey accessible and attractive for French visitors."

Guernsey's committee for economic development said it was engaged in ongoing discussions on the details of slot allocations.

Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, president of the committee, said she had been in communication with Stéphane Perrin-Sarzier, vice-president of the Brittany Regional Council, who has responsibility for the Port of St Malo.

"I welcome his confirmation that decisions regarding future port access for 2026 have not yet been finalised, ensuring that negotiations can continue," she added.

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