Condor Ferries Confirms Move From Weymouth To Poole

20 August 2014, 13:01

Condor Ferries has confirmed it will start running it's Channel Islands services from Poole instead of Weymouth, from spring next year.

The firm's now bought a new high-speed vessel which is too big for the berth at Weymouth, without around £10 million of alterations.

Condor has agreed with Poole Harbour Commissioners that the new ferry will be based in Poole from spring 2015.

A statement on Condor's website said:

'Condor Ferries has completed the purchase of the Austal 102, a state of the art high speed ferry which will operate between the Channel Islands and the UK.

'The latest addition to the Condor fleet will come into service in spring 2015 and will secure the future of high speed ferry services for the Islands.'

CEO James Fulford said:

“I am delighted to announce that we are now proud owners of the Austal 102. This represents £50m of investment in our Islands and it will enable us to improve reliability, increase capacity, and give our guests a much greater level of comfort.

"We plan to introduce the 102 in spring 2015 and, in the months ahead, we will be sharing more details about this superb new ship and announcing ways in which Islanders can be involved in our preparations.

“Poole is a modern and well-connected port, well-liked by our customers.”

Councillor Xena Dion, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for a Prosperous and Sustainable Poole, Borough of Poole, said:

“The Condor Ferries’ new ship is fantastic news for Poole and its residents. The high speed service attracts people from considerable distances but we hope local people will also use it as much as they can.

"It is important to have a vibrant and thriving economy and this potential new service will provide a welcome boost to our town.”