DFDS buys Ferries STENA VINGA from Stena Line
DFDS buys STENA VINGA from Stena Line: RoPax ferry remains on Jersey routes
DFDS is taking over the ro-pax ferry STENA VINGA from Stena Line. The ship has already been in service for the shipping company since the launch of the DFDS ferry service to Jersey in March 2025 and will continue to operate between Jersey, Great Britain and France in the future. The takeover is due to be completed in November 2026.
DFDS strengthens its Jersey fleet
With the purchase of the STENA VINGA, DFDS has secured a ship that is already in operation on the Jersey routes. The Ferries sails between Jersey, the United Kingdom and France and transports both passengers and freight.
For DFDS, the acquisition is an important step in making its own fleet more resilient on the Channel Island routes. Mathieu Girardin, Head of Ferries at DFDS, said the vessel had proved a good fit for Jersey during the charter period. The integration into the company’s own fleet supports the long-term operation and commitment to Jersey.
Important connection for passengers and freight
The Jersey routes are of particular importance to the island. DFDS operates the ferry services to Jersey on the basis of a long-term contract with the Government of Jersey. The ferry service connects the island with Poole and Portsmouth in the UK and Saint-Malo in France. The contract runs for 20 years and began with the start of the services on March 28, 2025.
For you as a traveler, the takeover initially means continuity above all: the STENA VINGA will continue to be used on the Jersey connections. The ship is also important for freight traffic, as it can accommodate a large amount of rolling cargo in addition to passengers and cars.
Space for 400 passengers, 200 cars and 1,500 loading meters
The STENA VINGA was built in 2005 and is around 125 meters long. It offers space for up to 400 passengers and 200 cars. Around 1,500 loading meters are available for freight transport. This means that the Ferries is geared towards both passenger traffic and the transportation of freight.
The facilities on board are also designed for longer crossings. The facilities include 40 cabins, a restaurant, a duty-free store, a movie theater and a recliner area with recliners.
New name and British flag planned
Following the takeover, the STENA VINGA is to be brought under the British flag. DFDS is also planning to rename the ship so that it fits in better with the existing DFDS fleet. The new name has not yet been announced. Further details will follow at a later date.
With the reflagging and permanent deployment on the Jersey routes, DFDS says it also wants to strengthen the employment of seafarers. The shipping company is planning to create new jobs in various areas on board.
Around 70 new jobs planned
DFDS intends to create around 70 new positions in connection with the takeover and further expansion of the Jersey service. Employees across all ranks are being sought. This will also include apprenticeships, cadet positions and places for career starters.
This is an important signal for Jersey. The ferry connections are not only interesting for holidaymakers, but also for supply, trade and logistics. A Ferries permanently integrated into the DFDS fleet can help to make operations more predictable and stable.
Takeover to be completed in November 2026
The STENA VINGA will remain in service until the takeover is completed. DFDS expects the purchase to be completed in November 2026. After that, the Ferries will continue to operate between Jersey, the UK and France.
Little will change for travelers for the time being: If you want to travel to or from Jersey with Ferries, you can continue to use the well-known RoPax ferry. In the long term, however, the purchase will strengthen DFDS’ own presence on the Channel Islands routes and make the company less dependent on chartered ships.
