DFDS will measure demand for inter-island ferry

The first inter-island ferry operated by DFDS has arrived in Guernsey.

The company's route director for Jersey, Chris Parker, said staff were "looking forward to seeing how many people we get on" before deciding whether to extend the service.

The route currently operates on Mondays only until August and Mr Parker said it was great islanders had a choice of services from different operators.

He added: "It just takes time to get things right, to get permits issued, to get the planning done for the vessel."

DFDS ran an inter-island ferry for this year's Muratti football tournament.

Mr Parker said the weekly service would also offer overseas visitors another option for travelling between the two islands.

He said: "Ferry is just a tremendous way to travel.

"When we're promoting Jersey, we're also promoting Guernsey because people want to travel between both islands, particularly if they are coming from further afield."

Murray Norton, chief executive of Jersey Chamber of Commerce, said: "The introduction of another inter-island service is another important component for both islands for a variety of travellers, either on business, leisure or sporting travel.

"It will undoubtedly add visitors, who will spend at on-island businesses".

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