DFDS takes over ferry routes to and from Jersey
DFDSDFDS has launched its ferry routes to and from Jersey, after winning a government contract to operate sailings for the next 20 years.
On Thursday, the company cancelled its first passenger sailings between Jersey and St Malo with less than 24 hours notice before it also cancelled a crossing to Portsmouth due to sail on Saturday.
Its freight service was scheduled to arrive in Jersey at 05:00 GMT and the company was due to issue an update at 09:00.
Earlier this month, the DFDS boss Filip Hermann said the firm was not "completely ready" but would be prepared for the launch.
'Working hard'
DFDS cancelled the Tarifa Jet, its first passenger service scheduled under the contract, that was due to arrive in Jersey about 16:00, bringing 114 passengers to the island from St Malo.
The 125m (410ft) Stena Vinga, a combined freight and passenger ship, is due to take 266 people from Jersey on an overnight journey to Portsmouth, leaving the island at 20:00.
However, DFDS said on Facebook on Friday it had cancelled its sailing between Jersey and Portsmouth on Saturday due to an "operational change".
It added a revised schedule for Sunday had been set up with a Jersey to Portsmouth crossing on the Stena Vinga at 21:00 and apologised to affected passengers.
The Tarifa Jet has been undergoing a refit in Portland in preparation for its new service and DFDS said this had been delayed due to technical issues.
Jersey route director at DFDS Chris Parker apologised for the cancellation.
He said: "I am sorry that we have had to make these changes at short notice as I know that many people were looking forward to experiencing DFDS' services for the first time, and that islanders have plans to get away for longer breaks.
"We are working hard to keep the interference to a minimum and will notify passengers of the alternative arrangements as soon as possible."
He said the company was excited to finally be in the island and was "dedicated to creating stronger ties between Jersey, the UK and France".
Chief Minister Deputy Lyndon Farnham has thanked the island's previous ferry company, Condor Ferries, for its 60 years of service and has urged passengers to be patient as DFDS takes over.
Farnham wished the Danish ferry firm good luck, acknowledging that "these change overs take a bit of time to settle".
He said: "I know DFDS are going to throw everything at it to make sure it's as smooth as possible".
He said he was looking forward to a "long and productive relationship" with the Danish firm.
Steven Bailey, who worked at Condor Ferries for 15 years, said it was sad to see the company leave Jersey.
He said there were difficult times for Condor but there were also many occasions when it contributed to the island's wellbeing.
He warned DFDS should not "reinvent the wheel" with its operations in Jersey, particularly when it comes to sailing schedules.
He said it had to look at its route to St Malo, as it currently only offered day trips for around four hours as opposed to the six hour stays Condor used to provide.
He also advised the firm to remember its purpose was to "serve the islands", adding it was going to be tough with Jersey and Guernsey using separate ferry operators.
While Jersey opted for DFDS, Guernsey picked Brittany Ferries, Condor's parent company, to run its routes.
Condor boats will continue to operate in Guernsey but with Brittany Ferries branding.
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