Condor Liberation service to undergo 'significant change'

Deputy Kevin Stewart said suggestions the ferry was "unsuitably or unsafe" were "over the top"

"Significant changes" will be made to a problem-hit ferry serving the Channel Islands and Poole.

The Condor Liberation has offered the only fast ferry between Guernsey, Jersey and the UK, since March.

The £50m vessel was damaged when it hit the quayside in Guernsey's St Peter Port before a series of mechanical issues forced delays and cancellations.

Captain Fran Collins, of Condor Ferries, said 90% of scheduled trips had operated with 60% on schedule.

She said the aim was "to bring [the Condor Liberation] up to the standard we know that islanders expect and deserve".

Captain Collins said: "The biggest issue was that terribly disappointing incident on day two of service that has unfortunately set the scene slightly and has changed people's perceptions.

"We know the turn around times have been problematic and that seems to be where she's losing the time so we're focussing our attention on that.

"Loading the car deck is a complex operation."

The company has identified delays in loading times as its biggest barrier to punctuality

Deputy Kevin Stewart, chairman of Guernsey's External Transport Group, said: "Condor has provided evidence to confirm the safety of the vessel and this is supported by Guernsey's harbour master.

"The company openly accepts that the motion of the vessel is different from that experienced on its predecessors and acknowledges the concern this has caused for some passengers."

However, he said any suggestion the ferry was unsuitable or unsafe was "over the top".

Mr Stewart said the company was continuing to learn about its new vessel and was employing a master, who has served on a similar vessel, and working with the manufacturer in a bid to improve crossings for passengers.

He said the vessel now carried more engine components, based on those that had previously failed, allowing repairs to be carried out at sea.