Channel Island ferry service hopes to double passenger numbers in 2026

Friday, 20 March 2026 07:10

Islands Unlimited hopes to attract more than 55,000 passengers inter-island, this year.

Island’s Unlimited launched in early summer 2025, transferring more than 27,000 passengers between Guernsey and Jersey before pausing for a planned winter break.

Today (20 March), the inter-island service re-launches, with multiple daily sailings until October.

CEO Chad Murray says they have the capacity to double passenger numbers this year.

"We're setting our sights conservatively, hopefully at about 55,000 passengers for this year, and hopefully we can exceed that.

"With the recent changes in the larger incumbent ferry operators between the two islands, there is a gap that we've identified between the islands for inter-island ferry travel.

"Certainly, advanced bookings are indicating a good uptake, particularly we're seeing that with travel agents and tour operators who are making advanced bookings in both directions between Guernsey and Jersey.

"That gives us some confidence that the base demand is there and then hopefully sports and event organisers will also use the service because it's very convenient, it's regular and it drops you off in the centre of the towns in each island."

Chad adds that, so far, global higher fuel prices, driven by the war in Iran, have not affected their ticket prices.

"We're monitoring the situation with the Middle East and how that might impact our operational costs.

"However, we do go out at the start of the season and try to negotiate a fixed volume price for the season.

"So at the moment we have a good relationship with our supplier."

Visit Guernsey and Visit Jersey both support the inter-island ferry service, saying better connections will help boost tourism, both day trips and longer stays.