Condor's boat deal complete
CONDOR has completed the purchase of its state-of-the-art £50m. Austal 102 high speed ferry.
The ferry will operate between the UK and the Channel Islands. The purchase comes after the company signed a new long-term agreement with Guernsey and Jersey States which will last from 2018 to 2028. The Condor Rapide will continue to service the Channel Islands to France routes.
CEO James Fulford said the ship – which he has previously said would cut winter cancellations by 90% – would arrive in time for the summer season next year.
'I am delighted to announce that we are now proud owners of the Austal 102. This represents £50m. of investment in our islands and it will enable us to improve reliability, increase capacity, and give our guests a much greater level of comfort.
'We plan to introduce the 102 in spring 2015 and, in the months ahead, we will be sharing more details about this superb new ship and announcing ways in which islanders can be involved in our preparations.'
However, this development comes alongside other news that the islands will no longer be connected to Weymouth, with the ferry operator confirming it will be based in Poole. Mr Fulford said the port had the facilities needed to operate a ship such as the 102m trimaran.
