Brittany Ferries' Barfleur is docking in Jersey today (4 October), bringing food and medical supplies to replenish stocks affected by recent bad weather.

It will be the ship's second visit to the island following berthing trials in March.

The 157 metre-long ferry is carrying 42 trailers of freight to help clear a backlog, with  a further 50 trailers on a extra sailing of the Condor Islander on Sunday (6 October)

Several sailings were cancelled earlier this week due to strong winds and high seas. No boats operated on Monday (30 September) leaving shops with out deliveries and many shop shelves bare.

The Barfleur, owned by Condor's majority shareholder, will arrive at around 9am on Friday from Portsmouth, assisted by a tug.

Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Condor Ferries, said: ‘Brittany Ferries’ ability to mobilise resources to support Condor is crucial and Islanders can expect to see other improvements in our approach to passenger and freight management in the coming months.’

It comes as we await the decision of Jersey and Guernsey's governments as to which of three companies - Condor Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries - has been awarded the 15 year contract to operate passenger and freight ferries to the Channel Islands from next spring.

Just yesterday,  Danish firm DFDS - test-berthed its Seven Sisters ship in St Helier and St Peter Port harbours.

Read more: Politicians want Condor to confirm 'adequate provision' for ferry services until spring