CI ferry linked to Bahamas route

HD Ferries said a decision would be made in the New Year

Ferry passengers face uncertainty over the reintroduction of a Channel Islands boat service after the vessel was linked to a service in the Bahamas.

The HD Ferries boat, HD1, was used to take ferry passengers to St Malo, until the firm said it was shelving the service until Easter 2009.

Now a sister company of HD says it expects to have the HD1 operating its Bahamas route next year.

HD said no decisions had been made yet over the vessel's future.

But the firm said if there was strong political opposition to the company returning to Jersey, it would probably not come back.

After the firm pulled out of its Channel Islands service, Jersey States said it was unlikely the company would be allowed a ramp licence again.

HD Ferries blamed rising fuel costs and a slowdown in the economy for pulling out of the Channel Islands route.

The firm said a decision would be made in the New Year.