Local businesses and charities are bracing for the potential loss of the Channel Chieftain V, a vessel that transports vital hospital supplies, fresh food, and wildlife.
While often recognized for delivering daily news, the Channel Chieftain V serves as a multifaceted logistics hub for the Channel Islands. Over the last decade, the catamaran has moved 520 tonnes of shellfish, a million bread rolls, and critical medical equipment between Jersey Hospital and Princess Elizabeth Hospital in Guernsey. Business owners emphasize that commercial ferries often lack the flexibility required for time-sensitive deliveries.
Island’s Choice Bakery, a frequent user of the service, noted that standard commercial shippers cannot meet the tight turnaround required for fresh products. Owner Joe Pinzari highlighted that the morning delivery window provided by Iris Freight is essential for his business model. He called upon local authorities to investigate subsidy options should the private service become unviable due to the decline of the print industry.
“As a bakery making fresh products, we want it delivered to the customer the following morning. We couldn’t do that with any of the commercials… I would hope that the local government would find a way of supporting Iris Freight.”
The service also handles niche industrial needs. Drieu Dental, which maintains healthcare machinery across the islands, relies on the freight link to avoid costly week-long stays for technicians in Guernsey. The company warned that their cross-island operations would be severely hampered without the current shipping frequency provided by the vessel.
SOURCES: Island’s Choice Bakery, Drieu Dental, Iris Freight Management.
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