Ferry exceeds passenger targets

Ferry captains and mates will have further training during the winter

A ferry company says it has beaten its passenger target for its first year.

HD Ferries began its service between Jersey, Guernsey and St Malo in France in March.

The company has had several problems, including engine problems, a collision and manoeuvring difficulties which led to its licence being suspended.

Despite this, HD Ferries says it exceeded its target to carry 160,000 passengers. The seasonal service has stopped and will resume in the spring.

After the licence was suspended, Jersey's harbour authorities said ferry masters had to complete their training on entering and exiting the harbour without the need for a pilot to be on board.

Chris Howe-Davies, HD Ferry's chief executive, said this matter was being dealt with.

"We are going to try to keep the crew together and ensure that the captains and the mates all have pilot exemptions by the time we return to service," he said.