DFDS, which is set to become Jersey's new ferry operator, has revealed the first boat which will serve the island.

The Danish company says RoPax vessel 'Stena Vinga' will operate between Jersey and Portsmouth, carrying both freight and passengers. 

It can hold up to 400 passengers and 200 cars compared to the Commodore Clipper's 300 passengers and 100 cars.

The 2005 boat also sports 40 cabins, a restaurant, duty-free shop, cinema and designated recliner lounge. 

Stena Vinga will run five rotations per week in peak season, with evening departures from Jersey and morning departures from Portsmouth. 

The company plan to deploy the 125 metre long ship from 28 March 2025, after it takes over from Condor Ferries as the island's operator.

Chris Parker, DFDS Jersey Route Director, said he's confident in the vessel. “We are pleased to introduce Stena Vinga to our Jersey fleet. With this vessel we will be able to service both passengers and businesses who rely on freight transport and enable us to provide an efficient and reliable service.

"It was refurbished in 2019, and we look forward to welcoming passengers aboard and providing them with a comfortable travel experience and meeting the diverse needs of the island."

Built in 2005 by the Dutch shipyard Merwede, the Stena Vinga was originally known as the MS Hammerodde. A sister vessel was constructed at the same time, with a similar specification, initially called the MS Dueodde. To Channel Islanders, it is probably better known by its current name - the Condor Islander.

Other options for Jersey ferries? Cote des Dunes (left) and Sirena Seaways (right)

This is the only vessel that has been confirmed so far by DFDS that will serve Jersey from March next year, though two high-speed boats have been promised as well as another RoRo vessel in peak season. 

DFDS said that a ferry timetable for Jersey will be released by the end of this week. 

This is also the new deadline for when the Government of Jersey and the Danish ferry company will complete their contract signing, formalising DFDS as the island's ferry operator for the next 15 years. 

The company was announced as the chosen ferry company on 3 December, over rival bidder Brittany Ferries. 

Services from Portsmouth, Poole and St Malo have been promised in the new timetable.