New ferry firm to use Manche-Iles vessel
Proposed new inter-island ferry operator Islands Unlimited plans to use a Manche-Iles boat on its routes this summer.
It announced in late November that it planned to start operating trips between Guernsey, Alderney and Jersey this summer using a 240-person vessel.
Yesterday it said plans had changed, and it was now focusing on services between Guernsey, Jersey and Sark.
However no timetable has been published on its website yet.
‘While we had an agreement with the owners of a suitable vessel, due to changes of circumstances on behalf of the owners, we have had to change our business model,’ a spokesman said.
‘However, we are delighted to announce that we have teamed up with Manche-Iles, who are operating a vessel between the islands in 2024.
‘We will be able to use their vessel to not only offer sailings between the islands but, something we have been very keen on from the beginning, to present day-trip packages from and to Guernsey, Jersey and Sark.’
According to its 2023 timetable, Manche-Iles operates two ferries – the Granville, which can carry 245 passengers, and the smaller Victor Hugo, which has a capacity of 195.
The business, which is owned by the French La Manche department, has not yet published its 2024 timetable, but is expected to start operating again in April.
Last year it operated direct services to Dielette from Guernsey and Alderney, as well as services from Guernsey to Jersey, and Jersey to Sark, Barneville Carteret and Granville.
In its latest update Islands Unlimited said it planned to offer inter-island sailings, including day-trip and overnight stays from Jersey to Sark and Guernsey, with a number of day-trip options from Guernsey to Jersey.
‘We are very excited to partner with our French colleagues at Manche-Iles Express and provide bespoke packages,’ a spokesman said.
‘We are committed to making the experience as easy and seamless for the traveller as possible and are therefore offering tour packages in Sark and Guernsey with local operators.’
The spokesman said it hoped to provide a dedicated regular passenger service between the islands in 2025.
While the company website has no timetable yet, the business stated it plans to make tour packages available in the coming days.
The individuals behind the company have not made themselves known.
