Fast DFDS Poole-Jersey ferry paused over winter

DFDS has released its schedule for crossings between 1 November and 10 January

Ferry operator DFDS will temporarily pause a high-speed service for Jersey during the winter.

The company has released its winter sailings schedule, with 118 departures between Jersey and Portsmouth and 88 for the St Malo service up from 1 November to 10 January.

However, the firm - which took over the island's main ferry services in March - said lower passenger numbers over winter had led to a decision to halt its fast Poole sailings between November and 30 April.

Jersey route director Chris Parker said the company understood the decision would disappoint customers, but the winter schedule had been "designed to meet demand while delivering a dependable service".

He added the timetable would offer capacity for up to 77,000 passengers between Jersey and the UK and 134,000 passengers for French sailings between November and March, which was "well above the historical demand" for winter.

Mr Parker said: "We understand that this decision will impact islanders and disappoint some travellers, and we are sorry about the inconvenience this will cause.

"We are focusing on delivering a long-term sustainable service for Jersey, including investment in future tonnage for the island."

DFDS said its Levante Jet boat, which normally covers the Poole route, would be used to cover St Malo crossings, while the Tarifa Jet goes into a dry dock in November.

It added the Levante Jet would then go to a dry dock until the summer when the Tarifa Jet returned, with the latter helping provide sailings to Poole during Easter.

The company said schedules from 11 January onwards were being finalised.

A total of 110 freight service crossings have been scheduled up until 10 January as part of the winter timetable, DFDS added.