Condor Ferries, part of Brittany Ferries, has confirmed that it has purchased a New Zealand-based ropax.
The 125 m, 400 pax, 18.5 kn Bluewater-owned ‘Straitsman’ is still in New Zealand, but is due to be renamed before starting on the UK/Channel Islands route in the autumn based at Portsmouth.
John Napton, Condor CEO, said the new addition boosts the fleet to five vessels, which underlined the company’s commitment to freight, connectivity and tourism.
He said it would be used to carry freight from Portsmouth, offering a ‘weather resilient’ overnight service in both directions between the Channel Islands and the UK.
‘Straitsman’ is of a similar design to the ‘Commodore Clipper’, which already operates between the islands, Condor said.
Built in 2005 at Dutch shipyard Merwede BV, it has operated under different names in both Europe and New Zealand.
She will be renamed and undertake berthing trials in Guernsey and Jersey later this year before entering regular service, Condor added.
