DFDS unveils two high-speed crafts to serve islanders

Wednesday 18 December 2024

DFDS has revealed two more of the vessels that will be used to provide ferry services to islanders as the Danish shipping giant prepares to publish its summer timetable.

The operator's route director for Jersey, Chris Parker, said that two high-speed craft – Levante Jet and Tarifa Jet – would be used for sailings to Poole and St Malo once service begins in 2025.

DFDS is expected to publish its summer timetable by Friday, having won the tender for the island's freight and passenger ferry services.

Pictured: Levante Jet has capacity for 675 passengers and 151 vehicles. (DFDS)

Levante Jet has capacity for 675 passengers and 151 vehicles, while Tarifa Jet can take 175 vehicles and more than 700 passengers.

"They are two high-speed craft that we are currently using on our Strait of Gibraltar routes, but we will be bringing them up to start services to Poole and to St Malo," Mr Parker continued, adding that representatives from DFDS had recently visited the latter port.

"We have had very good conversations with St Malo, not just about now, but also the future – there is a desire within the region to see more connectivity."

Pictured: Tarifa Jet can take 175 vehicles and more than 700 passengers. (DFDS)

Levante Jet was built in 2015, and Tarifa Jet was built in 1997. 

“We look forward to introducing these two high-speed crafts to Jersey," Mr Parker added.

"They are state-of-the-art vessels that will enhance the travel experience but also play a crucial role in supporting local tourism.

"By reducing travel time and increasing accessibility, the aim is to attract more visitors to beautiful destinations in Jersey, as well as in France and the UK."

Pictured: Chris Parker is DFDS's route manager for Jersey.

The update comes just days after Mr Parker announced that Stena Vinga, a 125-metre vessel with capacity for 400 people and 200 cars, would be used for sailings between Jersey and Portsmouth.

Jersey's new contract with DFDS is expected to be signed this week, with the Danish shipping giant due to take over from incumbent operator Condor from 28 March 2025.