New addition Condor Voyager could be in service by summer
A BRITTANY Ferries’ high-speed vessel could be joining the Condor fleet this summer to operate the UK, Channel Islands and France services.
The 98-metre-long Normandie Express is currently in Cherbourg undergoing engineering checks followed by sea trials.
The ferry operator said it had no plans to get rid of any of its other vessels at this stage.
Once the evaluation has been completed and final approval granted, the ferry, which is being renamed Condor Voyager, will visit Jersey and Guernsey next month to conduct mooring trials and familiarisation training for Condor’s crews and port staff prior to entry into service.
The vessel is still owned by Brittany Ferries, which is a minority shareholder in Condor.
Condor operations director Elwyn Dop said the initiative was a great example of how the two companies were cooperating.
‘The ship is proven cross-Channel and a larger version of Condor Rapide, so we feel she is suited to providing services to the islands and will offer a greater car and passenger capacity,’ he said.
‘These sea and berthing trials are also important for Brittany Ferries’ and our own teams working together.’
The vessel was built in Australia by Incat and can carry up to 850 passengers and 235 cars.
It is bigger than the 87m Rapide, but smaller than the 102m Liberation.
It is normally berthed in Le Havre and was previously working the Portsmouth-France route.
Condor said it proposes to use the vessel in addition to the Liberation on a Poole-St Malo service via the islands.
A Condor spokesman said there were no plans to get rid any vessels at this stage, although the company does have a fleet replacement programme.
‘The Rapide is the next ship we would be looking to replace, but no decision has been made on her future yet.’
If the company does decide to take on the vessel, a new timetable will be drawn up to take into account the extra sailings.
