Alderney’s Policy & Finance Committee has acknowledged the entrepreneurial spirit of Alderney Ferry Services in bringing a new twin-hulled vessel to the Channel Islands.
The new vessel will offer additional inter-island connectivity and bolster Alderney Ferry Services’ current fleet.
The former crew transfer vessel is expected to arrive in Alderney by the weekend following fitting and servicing in Great Yarmouth.
“With all the hard work and determination involved in bringing a larger vessel to Alderney, Alderney Ferry Services has demonstrated a commendable enthusiasm for maintaining connectivity between the islands,” said Alderney’s Policy & Finance Committee (PFC) Chairman Nigel Vooght. “We are absolutely committed to encouraging inter-island connectivity by both air and sea and the extra 12 seats this vessel provides contributes to that commitment.”
The Harbour Authority is working with Alderney Ferry Services to address the challenges associated with Alderney Ferry Services’ expansion including mooring solutions, sailing schedules, and the process of embarkation/disembarkation of passengers.
The existing subsidised service, which sees both Causeway Explorer and Sorcerer II undertaking the Alderney–Guernsey rotations, has completed almost all of the 250 agreed earlier this year. In recognition of this provision of service to the island, PFC has agreed to subsidise an additional 30 rotations during September.
Alderney Ferry Services (AFS) carried more than 4,000 passengers by the end of August with more than half of these travelling to Alderney. Additional bookings in September are expected to transport a further 800 passengers between the islands if all scheduled sailings are completed, half of them arriving in Alderney.
