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

UK economic boost expected as Portsmouth showcases sustainable port masterplan

By | 2022 Newsletter week 7 | No Comments

Portsmouth International Port is looking beyond its boundary as  it sets out an ‘ambitious sustainable future’ following the launch of its 20-year Masterplan on Wednesday 16 February, which is expected to generate £739m in ten years.

As a result the port has developed a Masterplan that will focus on:

  • expansion of port land to cater for increase in unaccompanied freight
  • extension of berth to cater for ships up to 300m
  • creation of out-of-city pre gate and storage facilities
  • smart technology to manage cargo and passenger flow
  • sustainable infrastructure to manage alternative power demands
  • achieve net zero by 2030
  • facilitate a new electric ferry service
  • upgrade facilities at international cargo terminal Portico
  • new Border Control Post

Portsmouth Port Leads the Way in Covid-19 Readiness

By | 2020 Newsletter week 40 | No Comments

Portsmouth International Port says in a press release that it has become one of the first in the UK, recognised by independent assessors, for its new protocols to manage and reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections.

Portsmouth is a major transport hub, with passenger sailings now operating again between France and Spain, and its continued role as a lifeline route for the Channel Islands. The port had to quickly adopt government safety measures to protect both staff and customers.

Andrew Williamson, passenger operations manager said: “Our aim was to give passengers confidence that the new preventative measures we have put into place are of the highest standard, and to highlight the benefits of international travel by sea. This verification from DNV GL provides further reassurance about the efforts we are taking to keep them safe.”

FERRY PORTS

By | 2020 Newsletter week 22 | No Comments

Portsmouth: Thermal Scanner To Screen Passengers For Covid-19

Portsmouth International Port has become the first UK port to install a thermal scanner to allow ferry and cruise operators to screen their passengers for Covid-19 symptoms.

The temperature screening technology involves using a camera detection system to monitor the temperature of passengers.

In the beginning it will be trialled as an option for foot passengers joining ships to help support infection control onboard. If successful, the technology could then be used elsewhere in the port.