A backup freight vessel, the MV Arrow, is set to commence operations today following an engine room fire that affected a DFDS cargo ship. The incident occurred while the MV Caesarea Trader was en route from Jersey to Portsmouth. Fortunately, all crew members and one passenger onboard the Caesarea Trader were reported safe, with the situation being described as “under control.” As of yesterday afternoon, the damaged vessel remained anchored off the Isle of Wight.
In response to the incident, DFDS announced that the MV Arrow was en route from France and expected to arrive in Portsmouth this morning. The Danish shipping company has also deployed an additional freight-only sailing using its Stena Vinga vessel, which is scheduled to operate today. This proactive measure aims to maintain supply continuity for freight customers while the situation with the Caesarea Trader is assessed.
Government Response and Supply Chain Impact
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel expressed gratitude that no injuries occurred during the incident on the Caesarea Trader. She acknowledged DFDS’s effective contingency plan, which has minimized disruptions to the supply chain on the island.
“The DFDS backup vessel, MV Arrow, is expected to be in operation from today,” Morel stated. She added that DFDS is working closely with freight customers to finalise a revised operating schedule. The swift response from DFDS means that Jersey is losing only one of its eleven weekly freight rotations between Jersey and the UK, demonstrating the resilience of the ferry operator in managing unexpected challenges.
DFDS’s ability to adapt quickly to the situation highlights the importance of robust contingency planning in the shipping industry. The deployment of the MV Arrow and the additional sailing by Stena Vinga ensure that freight services continue to operate with minimal interruption, safeguarding the supply chain essential for Jersey’s economy.
As the situation develops, DFDS remains committed to keeping all stakeholders informed and ensuring that operations continue smoothly during this period of adjustment.
