Last week, a major failure of the San Pawl starboard main engine forced the operator to suspend sailings and it has now concluded that the vessel cannot be repaired in time to return to service.
The company, which runs foot-passenger crossings between Guernsey and Jersey, said an investigation had traced the fault to the ‘catastrophic failure’ of a manufacturer’s component, which it said could not have been predicted through routine inspection or maintenance. The time needed to source, fit, commission and test a replacement engine meant the San Pawl would not be ready before the season was due to end.
It said it had taken the ‘difficult decision’ to end the season now rather than leave passengers facing continued uncertainty over future sailings, and thanked customers, crew, partners and suppliers for their patience.
The company’s schedule had shown sailings running until 18 October.
‘While we are naturally disappointed that our 2026 season has come to an earlier end than planned, our commitment to the Channel Islands and the future of inter-island travel is as strong as ever,’ said operations manager Jack Kitching.
‘This was an unexpected and unforeseeable technical failure, and our team has explored every realistic option to get San Pawl back into service.’
Mr Kitching said the company had carried more than 30,000 passenger movements during 2026, which he said showed the demand for regular and affordable travel between the islands.
He said the coming months would allow the engine to be replaced and greater resilience built into the operation, and that the company fully intended to return in 2027.
‘We will be back in 2027, and we look forward to welcoming you aboard,’ he said.
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