JHA event to debate Jersey’s sea transport challenges

Freight costs, household bills and the survival of Jersey’s hospitality sector have all hit the headlines in 2025 and next month, the Jersey Hospitality Association (JHA) is holding a lunch event with the government minister responsible for the economy and Jersey’s new ferry operator, DFDS.

While hoteliers and tour operators have seen a dramatic reduction in forward bookings and group travel since the conclusion of the ferry tender, retailers are also feeling the squeeze from rising freight costs and there’s been criticism of the Jersey to St Malo and inter-island services. Relationships with our nearest neighbours have taken a hit and the movement of goods between the islands is at a virtual stand-still.

The JHA lunch called The Boat has Left the Harbour – Collaboration or Revolution: Defining the Next 20 Years Together, will include Deputy Kirsten Morel, the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, and Chris Parker, the Route Director for DFDS, who will join the JHA’s Chair and its Co-CEO to discuss the current issues, challenges and solutions on Tuesday 18th November.

Marcus Calvani, Co-CEO of the Jersey Hospitality Association, said: “This is not only about hospitality. Our sea links affect every aspect of island life, and the passenger and freight service directly impacts the cost of living, our ability to get on and off the island and how our economy functions. The Economic Development Minister says that thanks to the flat rate card for freight, we now know what it costs to run a profitable ferry service and because of that, we should see downward pressure on prices in other parts of the supply chain. But is that what the average person sees when they pay for their weekly shop or go out for a meal? These are the big questions we want to explore next month with members of our industry as we bring them into the same room as key decision makers. It’s a chance for all of us to understand how it works, what the costs are and what the future holds.”

Tickets for the event at the Royal Yacht have gone on sale and are available to JHA members and non-members – find out more here.