Pressure on Minister to Disclose DFDS Agreement in Pursuit of Enhanced Transparency

Jersey's Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel Requests Public Release of Ferry Service Contract

The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel in Jersey has requested the concession agreement between the government and ferry operator DFDS to be made publicly available. This follows growing public and political concerns about the service provided by DFDS.

The ferry service concession contract was concluded on October 12, 2022, and outlines the terms for ferry freight and passenger services between DFDS and the Government of Jersey for the next 20 years. The agreement was awarded to DFDS in December 2024, with the firm set to provide a service between Jersey, the UK, and France.

The panel's request comes after a letter from the Jersey Hospitality Association expressing concerns about the temporary pause in high-speed Poole sailings during winter. This concern was further compounded by a statement from Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham, who demanded improvements from DFDS last month.

Submissions made to the panel have highlighted a number of recurring questions that islanders are asking. Many of these questions are covered in the agreement, but it is difficult for the public and the panel to hold the minister accountable regarding them when the details are not publicly available.

Deputy Montfort Tadier, chair of the panel, believes that the growing public interest warrants the full release of the agreement. He emphasized that making the contract publicly available would help foster trust and ensure clarity regarding its terms and obligations. The panel recognizes that there may be commercially sensitive aspects of the agreement, but they believe that it can and should be published with minor redactions.

The panel's request for the contract's publication follows a trend set by previous ferry providers, who published their operating agreements on the Ports of Jersey website. The tender process saw Guernsey opt to stay with Brittany Ferries, creating division between the islands.

The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel has requested a response from the Minister by next Wednesday. Greater transparency about the agreement would allow the public to know what to expect in terms of service levels for both freight and passenger journeys. The panel's request for the contract's publication is a step towards ensuring accountability and maintaining public trust in the ferry service.

Pressure on Minister to Disclose DFDS Agreement in Pursuit of Enhanced Transparency