16 October 2015
An independent report commissioned by the States of Guernsey, States of Jersey and Condor Ferries has confirmed that Condor Liberation is well built and suited to operating in the English Channel.
The report was commissioned following concern over the vessel’s safety.
It reviewed the safety, suitability and performance of the Condor Liberation and it confirms that ‘Condor Liberation is well built,’ and that ‘Houlder has no concerns with the stability of Condor Liberation’, the ship is ‘well suited to operating in the English Channel’.
It recognises that ‘some teething problems are expected with any new vessel’, and ‘these issues are affecting punctuality’, but ‘the Condor Liberation is able to make good speed in adverse weather conditions whilst maintaining passenger comfort’.
Houlder Limited commissioned to produce report
World leading naval architects, Houlder Limited, were commissioned to produce the report in July 2015.
The terms of reference for the report were agreed by all three parties.
Condor paid for the report to be produced and the research, analysis and investigations were undertaken by Houlder Limited.
Recommendations from the report
The governments of Jersey and Guernsey and Condor welcome the expert findings.
Condor Ferries have agreed to implement the report’s recommendations, which are designed to improve the comfort, handling and berthing performance of Condor Liberation.
Jersey’s Economic Development Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham, said “I am pleased that the Houlder Marine review confirms the safety and suitability of the Condor Liberation and I hope the travelling public are reassured by the report’s findings.
“The vessel was added to the Channel Islands fleet as a result of a substantial investment by Condor Ferries, to ensure that the network of car, passenger and freight services to and from the islands was enhanced and could operate in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.
“The review makes several important recommendations and I am confident that Condor Ferries will implement these in full to ensure that the performance of the Liberation not only meets, but exceeds, the standards expected by the travelling public and the Governments of Jersey and Guernsey.”
Condor Liberation safety, suitability and performance independent report
gov.je