Ferry contract made public following criticism

Jersey's government has published details of its 20-year contract with ferry operator DFDS, following concerns about the service.

DFDS has been criticised by retailers for the way it charges for freight and for cancelling some of its sailings between Jersey and Guernsey.

DFDS said it was "not unusual" to have high levels of scrutiny around a new route.

The deputy who helped negotiate the agreement, Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel, added he was confident the deal was good for Jersey.

Morel said: "Jersey now has a sustainable and investable ferry service. Previously, the ferry service was constantly causing news for all of the wrong reasons.

"I think that that's going to drift away and that will be really important and a good sign that things are working well."

'Legitimate interest'

A Jersey government scrutiny panel called for details of the contract to be made public in response to concerns about the new operator.

The government said parts of the contract had not been published, including commercially-sensitive details, or where information had been supplied in confidence.

A government spokesperson said: "As an island, ferry services touch everyone's lives in Jersey - whether as passengers or consumers in the shops.

"That is why the Government of Jersey recognises there is a legitimate interest in the public knowing more about the agreement."

Chris Parker, DFDS route director for Jersey, said it was "not unusual" to have high levels of scrutiny around a new route, especially when it was a "lifeline service," as is the case for Jersey.

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.