Condor: "Let an independent expert decide"

Monday 01 June 2015

After weeks of questions about whether Condor’s £50 million ferry is right for the Jersey-UK route, the there's going to be an independent study to settle the question once and for all.

The ferry company is footing the bill for the research, which they have commissioned along with the States of Jersey and Guernsey.

The move follows questions about whether the Australian-made vessel – which has been beset by problems since it was first put into operation – is actually right for the waters on the route it was brought to sail.

Condor Executive Chairman Russell Kew said: “Condor Ferries commissioned significant independent due diligence before purchasing Condor Liberation from Austal, one of the world’s leading ship buliders.

“It has since been certificated by all relevant independent certification and regulatory bodies.

“Nevertheless, whilst we know that our punctuality and reliability performance needs to improve, we also want to give our customers every necessary reassurance regarding the suitability of our ship, and so are pleased to be working with the States of Guernsey and Jersey in commissioning this independent report.”

Condor will announce in the coming weeks who will undertake the review, the terms of reference, and when it is due to be published.

Economic Development Minister Lyndon Farnham said: “I hope that this report will help us to draw a line under ill-informed speculation about the ship which is not only damaging Condor Ferries’ business, but could potentially impact our Islands’ reputation.

“Condor Ferries provides an important service for our Islands and, despite the difficult start experienced by Condor Liberation, continues to support the islands through its freight and passenger services.”