New island ferry service 'on track' for May launch

A new ferry service between the Channel Islands is "on track" for launch next month, the company behind it has said.

The firm Islands Unlimited is set to offer a daily inter-island foot passenger service between Guernsey and Jersey.

The 316-passenger, high-speed catamaran San Pawl has been relaunched following out-of-water maintenance and surveys in Malta.

The operator said it would transfer the ferry from Malta to Guernsey at the beginning of next month in time for the beginning of the service on 30 May.

It will be transported to the island using a specialist ship and bespoke cradle.

Captain Chad Murray, CEO of Islands Unlimited, said: "We are really pleased with the ship and impressed with her sea-keeping qualities and manoeuvrability.

"Whilst she is old in terms of age, her previous operator, Virtu Ferries, have clearly looked after her throughout her life and she continues to offer a safe and reliable option for inter-island foot passengers."

A standard adult return fare is set to cost about £67.

The schedule offers services running from 07:00 until 19:45 on weekdays, other than on Tuesdays when it stops at 16:45.

It will run from 07:00 until 21:45 at weekends.

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