All-seasons passenger ferry for Alderney

Dart Fisher, a 24-meter Alicat, will be joining Causeway Explorer and Sorcerer II as part of the Alderney Ferry Services fleet.

Charlie Smith, a director of the family-run operation, said that when Alderney Ferry Services was established its main goal was to provide a reliable, year-round service with a vessel that could withstand the seas around the island.

‘This feels like such an achievement for us, and what we set out to do,’ she said.

‘We did have another vessel in mind, but it was not as big, so this is the perfect vessel for all year round. We always knew this would be a big gamble for us but we know what we are doing will change our island forever.

‘This is a very exciting new chapter for our company and for our island.’

The vessel has a cruising speed of 20 knots and currently caters for 12 passengers, although seating will be increased inside, in order to maintain connectivity to the island if the runway was to shut down.

Dart Fisher is expected to arrive in Alderney next month after going through some rebranding and minor works.

‘Nothing will be happening before Alderney week as it’s too busy and we’ll be flat out, so we expect it to be here in the second or third week of August,’ said Ms Smith.

‘We don’t have the freight contract, but we hope that we can help out with post and courier.’

Alderney Ferry Services retained its contract to operate a subsidised service between Guernsey and Alderney after successful 2023 summer season.

Causeway Explorer and Sorcerer II will continue the Guernsey and Cherbourg routes at this time.

‘It’s been a lot of hard work to get here and we just can’t believe the amount of support for this new venture,’ said Ms Smith.

‘Hopefully we can finally get through a winter with less disruption.’