Condor’s new ship arrives in Portsmouth

By | 2023 Newsletter week 30 | No Comments

Wednesday 3 August 2023, Portsmouth International Port welcomed CONDOR ISLANDER, the latest vessel in the fleet for Channel Island ferry service Condor, as part of berthing trials before it officially enters service in the autumn.

Andrew Williamson, Portsmouth International Port’s head of cruise and ferry said: “As a lifeline service to the Channel Islands Condor Ferries plays a crucial role making sure goods and passengers can travel efficiently and safely. This second ship in Portsmouth means more choice for both passengers and also extra resilience for freight too.”

As a critical shipping route for Channel Island trade, Portsmouth International Port and Condor Ferries recently agreed a new long-term deal, which cements their partnership until 2033. With sailings 364 days a year, the new addition of the Condor Islander and 10-year agreement, provides certainty for this vital freight and passenger service.

John Napton, Condor’s CEO, said, “We are making a few alterations from Islander’s previous operator so there are different requirements involved. Changes include installing a duty-free shop, changes to overnight cabin configurations and refreshing the passenger lounges.”

CONDOR ISLANDER was acquired by Condor in April 2023 from New Zealand, where she was operating for StraitNZ as the STRAITSMAN.

Photo: Compass Photography Services

Guernsey and Condor reach agreement on deal to buy additional conventional ferry

By | 2023 Newsletter week 14 | No Comments
  • Condor and the States of Guernsey have concluded a 50/50 joint venture agreement for the purchase of an additional ferry. [see the news: Condor Ferries buys STRAITSMAN]
  • The aim is to increase the resilience of the Island’s lifeline sea links with the UK, France and Jersey.
  • The deal will see both parties investing £3m of equity in the joint venture to own the second ‘ropax’ ship – the CONDOR ISLANDER – and receive a commercial return from the ferry operator. In addition, the States of Guernsey have made a loan from the bond of £26m, which will be repayable at a fixed rate of interest over 10 years.

IN THE MEDIA

By | 2020 Newsletter week 27 | No Comments

ICG Boss Says Ferries Subsidy ‘Wasting Taxpayers’ Money’

Eamonn Rothwell, chief executive of Irish Continental Group has warned that any move by the new Government to extend a subsidy scheme to keep certain sea routes going during the Covid-19 pandemic would be a “waste of taxpayers’ money” and further distort the market.

French Stevedore Firm Goes Into Liquidation, Creating A Challenge For Condor

Condor’s St Malo operations face a period of uncertainty as the company which provides its freight and foot passenger baggage services at the port has been placed into liquidation.

Condor Ferries and Bachmann Group no longer interested in inter-island ferry service

By | 2018 Newsletter Week 05 | No Comments

Jersey Evening Post wrote that Condor Ferries have withdrawn from new plans for a Channel Islands trial service for this year.
The two vessels they had planned to charter had now been deployed elsewhere. The company was also concerned that there is only a very short timeframe available to prepare and launch the new service.
Bachmann Group also pulled out following concerns over costs.
The article quotes Jersey Senator Farnham, who said that there were nine other operators in the bidding process.

Photo: Guernsey © Mike Louagie