Calls for government to publish original DFDS ferry contract

Thursday, 4 September 2025 13:18

Scrutiny has asked for the agreement signed by the government and DFDS to be made public.

The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny has asked the Minister for Economic Development, Kirsten Morel, to publish the concession agreement signed by the Government of Jersey and DFDS 'in the interest of transparency and public accountability.'

The ferry firm was awarded the contract to provide a service between Jersey, the UK and France in December 2024, and the Panel was provided a copy of the contract on a confidential basis as part of the Scrutiny process.

READ: DFDS wins Jersey ferry contract

In a letter to the Minister, the Panel argues that publishing the document will help foster public trust.

They say it will allow the public to see the terms and conditions that were agreed.

Deputy Montfort Tadier, Chair of the Panel, says:

"Greater transparency about what has been agreed between Jersey’s Government and DFDS would allow the public to know what they can expect in terms of service levels when it comes to both freight and passenger journeys over the next 20 years.

"The Panel of course recognises that there may be commercially sensitive aspects of the agreement, but we feel that, even with minor redactions, there is no reason that it cannot and should not be published."