The States of Alderney’s Economic Development Committee has approved funding to support a trial of additional weekend ferry services between Alderney and Guernsey with Islands Unlimited during the 2026 summer season.
The trial will see additional Friday and Sunday sailings operated by Islands Unlimited’s highspeed vessel San Pawl.
The additional services are intended to improve weekend connectivity for residents and visitors during the peak summer period, complementing the existing scheduled air and sea services. They will also provide an opportunity to trial the operation of a larger passenger vessel serving Alderney, helping to inform the States’ wider work to strengthen the island’s transport resilience ahead of the planned runway rehabilitation project.
The Committee considered the proposal alongside ongoing work to explore alternative transport options and agreed that testing different modes of transport will help inform future connectivity planning for the island.
Ahead of the decision, berthing trials were successfully completed using San Pawl (pictured).
The Committee was clear that the additional sailings represent a limited seasonal trial rather than a long-term commitment or exclusive arrangement with any operator. The trial will provide valuable operational experience and help assess passenger demand whilst continuing to explore wider opportunities to improve Alderney’s connectivity.
It is anticipated that the service will commence towards the end of the July with further details to be released by Islands Unlimited shortly.
Stuart Clark, Chair of the Economic Development Committee, said: “This is positive news for Alderney. These additional sailings will provide more travel options for both residents and visitors during the summer, while also allowing us to trial the operation of a larger passenger vessel serving the island.
“As we continue planning for the future, it’s important that we explore every opportunity to strengthen our transport resilience. This trial complements our existing air and sea links and will provide valuable experience as we continue to develop longer-term connectivity solutions for Alderney.”
