Clipper work schedule is the 'not so horrific' option
TRAVEL disruption for hundreds of ferry passengers in the lead-up to Christmas was the 'not so horrific' option, Condor has said, as it begins to contact 1,200 people who have booked to travel.
The company has issued a public apology to those who had booked on the Commodore Clipper during the period it is now out of action – from 4 November until 14 December – when it undergoes upgrade work that did not happen as expected during a recent dry dock.
In a face-to-face interview, Condor Ferries' executive director of operations Captain Fran Collins said:
This was the least disruptive time for the Clipper upgrade, with Easter or summer the only other alternatives.
Rough weather testing on the Liberation fast ferry, that could increase the wave height it can operate in, has been postponed until spring next year. It is contacting all 1,200 affected Clipper passengers individually to offer alternative travel or a refund.
The company bosses are offering an open invitation to all islanders to discuss their latest concerns.
Both of Condor's conventional ferries were due to have pollution-reducing scrubbers fitted during their September and October dry dockings.
But Condor says that problems with the supply of parts mean that upgrades to the Commodore Clipper and Commodore Goodwill did not go ahead as scheduled.
