New CI Ferry Company Scaling Back 2024 Offering

Islands Unlimited now plans to share a Manche Iles vessel this summer, after an agreement to buy its own fell through.

In November 2023, Islands Unlimited announced its intention to run a regular inter-island foot passenger service.

Its Director Chad Murray says as his company was unable to secure its own vessel, its business model has changed.

For now, the ferry company will use the Manche Iles's Granville - a 41-meter-long vessel that can carry up to 245 passengers.

Mr Murray says this partnership makes sense:

"We are essentially able to piggyback on their operation, and therefore there are no additional permissions required for us to offer the services and experiences that we are planning to do for 2024.

We have established a fantastic relationship with Manche Iles Express.

They have experience within the local waters already, so we want to work with them to improve the local offering for both the island populations and tourists visiting."

Ports of Jersey confirmed it is working directly with Manche Iles to finalise its 2024 sailing schedule and 'any passenger arrangements between Manche Iles and Islands Unlimited would not need permission from us, provided that Manche Iles is operating the sailings.'

Mr Murray suggested the basic return ticket price could be around £50 to £60.

A 2024 timetable has been uploaded to Islands Unlimited's website, which features sailings to Sark, Guernsey, Herm, and Jersey, from May to September.

Mr Murray added that in the future he hopes to run an independent service.

He says they are also working with providers across the islands to build 'bespoke activity packages':

"People will be able to enjoy the ferry trip itself and then for example some food offering, maybe an island tour, and maybe look at doing some more exciting and energetic activities such as coasteering or kyaking."

He says more information on this will be published later this year.