SHIP & Fly has cut its ties with HD Ferries. Chief executive officer Max Carling said he did not want the name of his firm, which handled HD1, dragged down with it.

‘The relationship [with HD Ferries] has been strained since day one,’ he said.

‘From the start we knew the company had not done its research as the machinery it used was inadequate to be crossing the [English] channel. It would possibly be safe to use the ship for a Jersey to St Malo crossing where the seas are calmer.’

HD announced yesterday that it was cancelling sailings for the rest of the year, but hoped to return in 2009.

* HD Ferries spokesman Phil Jones said: ‘We share everybody’s disappointment that we have had to bring the service to an end early. We are optimistic about the prospect of resuming in spring. If some partners do not wish to work with us, then we will find alternatives.’