DFDS ferry firm expands schedule for Jersey-Poole route

A ferry company will launch its Jersey-Poole fast ferry service more than five weeks earlier next year and add 50 sailings amid what is describes as strong growth in passenger numbers.

DFDS plans to start the service on 24 March rather than 1 May, giving islanders a direct high-speed connection to the UK over Easter.

The 2027 schedule includes 130 return trips, 25 more than this year, with passenger numbers on the Poole route having risen 21% year-on-year .

Route Director for Jersey at DFDS Chris Parker said the company had "used what we have learned during 2026, together with feedback from our customers" to shape the services for next year.

DFDS said its St Malo timetable had also been changed for 2027, with "additional capacity during April and some improvements to scheduled journey times".

It said day trips to France would continue to be available for foot passengers where the timetable allows.

Bookings for both services are due to open on Thursday, with Portsmouth bookings opening on 15 October.

In September, islanders said they were "frustrated" as they had been unable to book any journeys to and from Jersey after December.

Parker said: "We are adding capacity where we are seeing demand, starting our UK high speed service considerably earlier and continuing to invest in the vessels and products serving Jersey.

"We want to continue growing both passenger and freight traffic and will work closely with our partners on and off the island to encourage more visitors to Jersey and support the wider visitor economy."

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