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Review: Ferry Service : Concession Agreement Review

Committee/Panel: Economic and International Affairs Panel
Launch Date: 20 November 2025
Review Status: Report published Submissions Deadline: 23 January 2026
Review Report: S.R.6-2026 - Ferry Service Concession Agreement Interim Report
Ministerial Response: Ferry Service Concession Agreement – Interim Report (S.R.6/2026) – Response of the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development

About

The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel (the Panel) launched a review of the DFDS-operated ferry service to evaluate the terms of the Concession Agreement and explore in more detail some of the initial issues that have been raised following its implementation. These include the levels of service, future investment in vessel, pricing commitments, the flat-rate freight fee, transport of pets and accessibility.

The Panel regards this as an initial phase review, as DFDS has not yet completed a full year of operations.

Some of the key questions the Panel will explore through this Review include:

  • What has been the initial impact of the requirement for the introduction of a flat-rate freight fee within the DFDS concession agreement?
 
  • What are the markers of success of the flat-rate fee and will it be reconsidered should these not be met?
 
  • What actions has the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development taken in response to concerns raised by businesses and the public?
  • How is the Government monitoring DFDS’s compliance with the concession agreement?
 
  • Since it’s commencement in March 2025, how does the ferry service compare with previous operators or similar services in other jurisdictions?
 
  • How aligned is the ferry service with the needs of businesses, residents and visitors?

The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel invites Islanders to provide their views with regards to the Ferry Service Concession Agreement. If ever you would like to get in contact regarding this Review, please email [email protected] 
 

Terms of reference

  1. To examine matters arising from the implementation of the concession agreement between the Government of Jersey and ‘DFDS’, including but not limited to:
 
  • Service levels
  • Contractual obligations
  • Vessel investment
  • Pricing commitments
  • Freight supply
  • Supply chain resilience
  • Transportation of pets and animals
  • Accessibility
 
  1. To engage with the Government of Jersey, ‘DFDS’, businesses, members of the public and any other relevant stakeholders to ascertain their experiences and views on such matters
 
  1. Any additional areas that the Panel deem to be relevant to the Review