DFDS service disruption

WQ.98/2026

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

BY DEPUTY R.S. KOVACS OF ST. SAVIOUR

QUESTION SUBMITTED ON TUESDAY 7th APRIL 2026

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 14th APRIL 2026

Question

"Following the recent DFDS service disruption, will the Minister advise –

1. what immediate actions are being taken to support passengers affected by the cancellation of sailings since the Tarifa Jet collision on 29th March 2026;
2. whether DFDS is currently meeting its contractual performance and safety obligations and the threshold at which any breach would be determined;
3. what contractual penalties or enforcement mechanisms exist and whether any have been triggered;
4. what information is available on the cause of the Tarifa Jet collision;
5. what assurances have been given regarding vessel safety, maintenance standards and onboard conditions; and
6. what contingency measures within the DFDS contract ensure the continuity of ferry services during peak periods?"

Answer

1. DFDS actions following the allision included mobilisation of contingency arrangements, re- scheduling sailings to best meet traveller and freight requirements, and subsequent communication of changes to passengers and other stakeholders.

Since Tuesday 7th April, the Levante Jet (which had been in dry dock for renovations) rejoined the fleet, enabling a return to scheduled Ropax and High-Speed services.

DFDS has also advised impacted passengers to retain receipts for appropriate out-of-pocket expenditure and submit a claim.

Day trip passengers have been fully refunded and been provided with a further free day trip to be taken at a later date.

2. DFDS is meeting its contractual performance targets with regard to both operational performance and statutory safety obligations. Details around trigger events are contained in the Concession Agreement which the Government published in October 2025.
3. Details around contractual penalties and enforcement mechanisms are contained in the Concession Agreement, and Explanatory Note, which the Government published in October 2025.
4. The Harbour & Airports Authority is conducting a root cause analysis investigation and took steps in the immediate aftermath of the allision to secure relevant data and evidence for that investigation. I cannot provide any further information ahead of the Authority completing its investigation.
5. As an operator using Jersey's territorial waters and harbour, DFDS is obliged to meet Jersey's domestic legislation and a number of international conventions regarding safety, maintenance and conditions on board. These legal requirements are further reinforced as conditions within the Concession Agreement.

DFDS is also obliged to meet standards and obligations set by the relevant flag state and classification society applicable to each vessel.

6. Details of the Operator's contingency arrangements are contained with the Concession Agreement which the Government published in October 2025. DFDS is required to provide contingency vessels to maintain resilience and minimise disruption. Those contingency arrangements have been invoked to provide cover for MV Caesarea Trader (using MV Arrow) and MV Tarifa Jet (using MV Cote d'Albatre).