Condor Ferries’ latest acquisition Condor Islander (2005, ex The Straitsman) arrived at the Poole Bay anchorage on 3 August following berthing trials at Portsmouth, and before that other Condor ports in the Channel Islands and France, after completion of its overhaul and external repainting at the Astander shipyard in Santander, Spain.
The following morning she made her maiden call at the Port of Poole for ramp trials at both ro-ro berths before moving to Bulwark Quay. She is expected to remain alongside at Poole for at least four weeks for an internal refit and final preparations for service.
Condor Islander is due to start commercial operations between Portsmouth and the Channel Islands alongside near sister Commodore Clipper (1999) during October.
The then brand new Commodore Clipper had similarly spent time alongside at Poole in September 1999 prior to taking up service.
Photo and report by Kevin Mitchell
