With significant global interest, it is Condor Ferries that has succeeded in buying the ro-pax STRAITSMAN from Bluebridge Ferries, New Zealand.
As reported last week by FSN, operators including CTMA and CMAL/NorthLink Ferries were also in the running to acquire the ship.
Re-named and upgraded, the 125-metre vessel will enter service between the UK and France and the Channel Islands in the autumn. Condor has said that the move will bring “greater resilience, capacity and connectivity”.
Condor Ferries has promised an overnight service in both directions from the UK and Channel Islands. The new vessel will also provide additional passenger capacity in the event of Condor’s fast craft being affected by bad weather.
The larger fleet will also assist with inter-Island frequency and help to develop the growing freight services from France.
Built in 2005, the 400-passenger STRAITSMAN is very close in design to Condor’s existing ro-pax ferry, COMMODORE CLIPPER. She previously operated in Europe as Bornholm’s DUEODDE.
Photo: Condor Ferries